"The Minister's Black Veil" by Nathaniel Hawthorne illustrates the dangers of secret sin. Allowing guilt for things done in the past, things that cannot be changed, can ruin your life. The secret bearer's life will be devastated, along with that of his loved ones. Hawthorne uses various types of figurative language in his works to portray his message. "The Minister's Black Veil" is no exception; Hawthorne uses symbolism and suggestion to add depth and mystery. Hawthorne's parable, "The Minister's Black Veil," uses symbols to illustrate the effect of shame and guilt. In the story, Mr. Hooper represents the average Christian with a deep desire to be holy and have fellowship with man, yet he allows the cross he carries to come between him and man. Her secret is represented by the veil she wears which itself is black, the color of both secrecy and sin. Spiritually, the veil embodies the presence of evil in all humanity. In the physical realm it serves as an emotional barrier between him and everyone else (Timmerman). the veil, it is observed that, "...as he prayed, the veil lay heavily on his raised face. Was he trying to hide it from the terrible Being to whom he was addressing?" (para. 10). The veil made Mr. Hooper a powerful preacher. But even the people most touched by his messages shuddered when Mr. Hooper approached him. comfort them, his veiled face made them tremble (par 45). His personal relationships almost ceased to exist. Outside the church, he was seen as a bogeyman, or a monster (par 44). fearless, the veil was his loving fiancée, Elizabeth symbolizes purity. She is innocent and... in the center of the card... the black veil. Hawthorne's story warns that secrets can destroy the most cherished relationships in life. Hawthorne's parable uses symbols to give the story a deeper meaning. Hawthorne also uses suggestion to create an atmosphere of mystery and darkness. Works Cited Donoghue, Denis. "Hawthorne and Sin." Christianity and Literature 52.2 (Wntr 003): 215(19). Academic expanded as soon as possible. Storm. Trident Technical Institute. April 20, 2011.Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "The minister's black veil" Ibiblio - Public library and digital archive. Network. February 17, 2011.Stein, William Bysshe. “The Parable of the Antichrist in “The Minister's Black Veil.” American Literature 27.3 (1955): 386. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. April 20, 2011. Timmerman, John H. “The Minister's Black Veil by Hawthorne. " Explicator 41.3 (1983): 29. Premier academic research. 2011.