The Minister's Black Veil

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"The Minister's Black Veil" is a short story written by the nineteenth century author Nathaniel Hawthorne. It was first published within the publication entitled Twice-Told Tales.

The story is set in what appears to be a Puritan community in the seventeenth century. The story details events surrounding one Reverend Hooper, after he suddenly and mysteriously begins wearing a veil of black crape over his face, covering his eyes and nose. The reverend puts on the black veil before the day's church meeting. After, he proceeds to officiate at a funeral and then a wedding. In both events, nigh supernatural events occur, and the veil's true nature begins to become unraveled. In a later conversation with his fiancée, Elizabeth, Mr. Hooper goes about explaining the reason for the veil, and its symbolism.

It is relatively safe to assume that the message of the story is that of how one can never come to grips with one's truly evil nature. Mr. Hooper's dying words, in which he condemns others as dishonest with themselves, also affirm this theme. The protagonist conceals his secret sin. By concealing his "secret sin," Mr. Hooper essentially helps other Puritans to realize everyone has a "secret sin." Some display their sins and others hide them.

The story and main character have been likened by some to Johnny Cash's The Man in Black.