The Minister’s Black Veil Essay The puritans lived an orthodox lifestyle that furnished even stricter religious policies. As a community, sin was in no way tolerated, and those who were decidedly “sinful” were often barred socially. Nathaniel Hawthorne set out to write a story that deals with this issue, partially because his ancestors were puritans themselves. “The Minister’s Black Veil” criticizes the judgmental society, and lets the reader into the lifestyle of the …showed first 75 words of 464 total…

…showed last 75 words of 464 total…on people. “The Minister’s Black Veil” demands that when we read about Mr. Hooper (who’s portrayed in the short story as a caring, gentle, and generally nice man), we pay attention to the quiet conscience in the back of our heads. From this short story, we’re confronted with the other end of the outstretched finger, or the person who is trying to remain calm during the laughing and criti! cism. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**