Themes in "The Minister's Black Veil" by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Like many writers of his time, Hawthorne emphasized man's inner reality, and those thoughts and feelings which are not immediately apparent. As he explored this internal nature, he not only found the source of dignity and virtue, but also certain elements of darkness and violence. In The Minister's Black Veil, these elements are treated as real and inescapable forces in human existence. The unifying theme is the conflict between the dark, hidden side of man …

…ago, The Minister's Black Veil is still relevant in both theme and attitude. The black veil is a symbol, something that Hawthorne uses to stand for the impassable barrier between all human souls. What he is trying to say is that each of us wears his own 'black veil'. Nevertheless, if we are willing to acknowledge the darkness in ourselves, there is an hour to come...when all of us shall cast aside our veils.