The Minister's Black Veil

“The Minister’s Black Veil” is in part a commentary on Puritanism. In the early 17th century, the Puritans, a group of English Protestants, broke with the Church of England, which they felt had remained too close to Roman Catholicism. In 1620, a group of separatists, seeking a “purer” Church that adhered only to rituals espoused in the Bible, landed in Massachusetts and established Plymouth Colony. Puritans believed in predestination, which meant that one’s salvation or damnation was predetermined by God and that leading a godly life was an indication of one’s salvation. Puritans also believed that all humans are tainted by Original Sin as a result of the fall of Adam and Eve.

Puritans’ emphasis on appearances is evident from the first scene in the story when the residents of Milford are startled by Parson Hooper’s unexpected wearing of the black veil, which covers all except his mouth and chin. Notably, the townspeople quickly associate the veil with the condition of Mr. Hooper’s mind or soul, as if the veil indicates a personal sin. The sexton’s belief that “good Mr. Hooper’s face” cannot be “behind that piece of crape” suggests a connection between Mr.