Question

Why does Elizabeth think that "it should be her privilege to know what the black veil conceal[s]," and why does Elizabeth's "calm energy" change to terror when she tries to persuade Mr. Hooper to remove the veil? Moreover, why does Hooper deny Elizabeth's request and choose to remain behind his black veil, when he could remove the veil and marry Elizabeth instead?

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Elisabeth believes she has the privilege of knowing what the black veil eschews because she was engaged to the minister and was going to marry him soon. She believes that there should be no secrets between them, since they will be married forever.

2. Her calm turns to terror because while she insists that he reveal what the veil hides and remove the veil, she feels guilty for not trusting him, as well as being afraid that he is hiding something serious it's terrible.

3. Hooper refuses to remove the veil because he believes that Elisabeth must show confidence and loyalty to the man he will marry, in any circumstance.

Explanation:

This question is about "The Minister's Black Veil" written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, where we are introduced to Minister Hooper, who decides to use a black veil that covers his entire face. The minister never removes the veil and the population begins to be afraid of this attitude. Although the minister was an honorable and God-fearing man, the veil makes people see him as sinful, somber and to be avoided. This shows how religious society is judgmental and often hypocritical, even within their religions.