The Minister's Black Veil The veil, no more than a black scrap of cloth, represented a barrier that the minister decided to erect between himself and the rest of the world. This led to a profound change in the public’s perception of him. However, more important than what the veil represents are the reasons behind Minister Hooper’s decision to undertake an action that would completely sever him from the community where he lived …showed first 75 words of 806 total…

…showed last 75 words of 806 total…to cover secret sin, what mortal might not do the same’.(pg. 77) Whatever his reason, showing that all people had their secrets or a test of his people love for him, no person understood what the minister was trying to say or prove, and few tried. What does this say about human nature and mankind? That love is temporary and only given when convenient, as love is hardly ever unconditional and probably never will be.