1. By Nathaniel Hawthorne

2.  Symbol: A symbol is something that comes to represent something else while retaining its own meaning, as well.  There are two types of symbols: Universal & Contextual

3.  A Universal Symbol is when an object represents something other than itself all of the time (Ex: Flag, Eagle)  A Contextual Symbol is when an object represents something other than itself only in the context of the story

4.  The obvious symbol in this story is the veil itself... The questions is, what does the veil symbolize?

5.  1. The black veil is symbolic of some specific sin that Reverend Hooper committed  In the epilogue to the story, Hawthorne writes that someone similar to Hooper had “accidentally killed a beloved friend” earlier in life.

6.  The black veil is also symbolic of Original Sin, or the idea that humanity has the tendency to transgress against the laws of God.  Hooper says “... And if I cover it for secret sin, what mortal might not do the same?” (261)

7.  The veil also comes to symbolize the fine line between life and death.  Only in death does the ‘veil’ come off  Hooper says, “There is an hour to come... When all of us shall cast aside our veils.”

8.  Some literary critics have argued that the black veil is symbolic of Hooper’s own excessive pride.  He could have worn the veil for a short while and than discarded the veil.  He also could have explained to his parishioners why he was wearing the veil.  Some view the excessive use of the veil as Hooper’s morally superior attitude.

9.  Parable: a parable is a short narrative that draws a moral lesson or illustrates a religious truth.  Unlike an allegory, a parable does not incorporate characters or objects that stand for something else.  If this story is a parable, what moral lesson could be drawn from it?