Similar to most of Hawthorne's works, The Minister's Black Veil not only illustrates issues of morality, repentance and sin in the context of Puritan New England. , but it also exhibits the familiar literary theme of conflict between the individual and society. Through this kind of social, psychological, and moral conflict, Hawthorne critiques the Puritan image of original sin, as well as the stereotypes that this particular society holds toward Reverend Hooper. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Despite Milford's religious community, residents are quick to judge and resent Mr. Hooper without ever directly asking him why he wears black. veil to hide his face. While "one or two" are considerate enough to assume that it was only because "his eyes were so weakened by the midnight lamp that they needed shade", a majority of the community prefers harsh accusations regarding his morality and sanity rather than good reasons. judgment and practical questioning. It is obvious that society's reaction to Mr. Hooper's harmless black veil reflects his unfavorable qualities of ignorance and hypocrisy. Ironically, their antagonism brings them together as a community against the minister; the veil "provided a subject of discussion between acquaintances meeting in the street and good women chatting at their open windows". Furthermore, their reactions also prove the stereotypical views they hold towards prominent – ​​or more specifically – religious figures such as Reverend Hooper. As minister, the people of Milford expect him to be infallible; free from sin or, ultimately, from any wrongdoing. He is a sort of model on which Puritan society relies to guide it towards purity and piety. However, the “horrible black veil” acts as a mask of sin, an object that “can only portend evil” in the eyes of society. It emphasizes the minister's immorality rather than covering it up. It is intended to remind people of the original sin inherent in each of them; a motive which has unfortunately always been unpleasant to the surrounding community, as people are always keen to hide their sins rather than admit them to the public. Therefore, the misconception that the veil is worn to cover up an embarrassing sin is unacceptable to society, because Mr. Hooper is, from his perspective, supposed to maintain an appearance of holiness and not be like man ordinary and evildoer. On top of that, the people of Milford seem unhappy that there is something about the minister that they don't know. It is possible that as a religious and prominent figure, the community expects Mr. Hooper to be open and sincere with them, rather than concealing a "secret sin" or secret in general. Just as people today demand ever more information about famous celebrities, to the point where secrecy no longer makes sense, the townsfolk are upset that Mr. Hooper seems to know that they don't. not. Although Mr. Hooper doesn't do anything more. rather than wearing a black veil and indiscriminately continuing his daily duties as minister, the community reacts with hostility; “strange and perplexed looks have earned him his courtesy,” and their faces are always “pale” with fear when they recognize him. In response to Mr. Hooper's unnatural decision, society attempts to rein him in, despite his respected position as a minister. They.