Question

In this passage from “The Minister’s Black Veil,” the minister’s fiancée inquires about the black veil. What concern does she express to him?
From “The Minister’s Black Veil”

“What grievous affliction hath befallen you,” she earnestly inquired, “that you should thus darken your eyes forever?” “If it be a sign of mourning,” replied Mr. Hooper, “I, perhaps, like most other mortals, have sorrows dark enough to be typified by a black veil.” “But what if the world will not believe that it is the type of an innocent sorrow?” urged Elizabeth. “Beloved and respected as you are, there may be whispers that you hide your face under the consciousness of secret sin. For the sake of your holy office, do away this scandal!”

a. She feels that his wearing of the black veil will likely harm the reputation of the minister.
b. She thinks he is innocent of wrongdoing and wishes that he would not be so sorrowful.
c. She feels sorrow of her own and dislikes being reminded of it by the appearance of the veil.
d. She suspects that he is guilty of committing a terrible sin that he is keeping secret.

Answer 1

The answer is D the characters use a lot of metaphors to talk about the sorrow that takes over the minister's soul, His fiancee is showing her worry saying that rumor has it he is a sinner.

Option A, B, and C are not possible because A takes the elements in a literal form, B says she thinks he is innocent but it is expressed in her words that she worries about what people say so that demonstrates that she doesn't fully believe in him and C says that she is the one in sorrow and since the first comment in this conversation they talk about the minister's pain.