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Symbolism In Minister's Veil And The Birthmark

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In literature, archetypes “evoke deep and perhaps unconscious responses in a reader” (2043). Similarly, Hawthorne uses various symbols in “The Minister’s Veil,” and “The Birthmark” to enhance, and clarify his stories’ themes. Hawthorne’s tenacity on his symbols leaves a huge burden on them. His stories become overly dependent, so much so if a symbol is too obscure the story becomes a riddle. Consequently, the birthmark fails to establish the story’s theme, and thus the story trembles. Meanwhile, the veil’s design and common meaning perfectly serve its purpose. Hawthorne describes the birthmark as a red hand over Georgiana’s cheek, blocking her from full perfection. Once it is gone, she is sent to heaven, for she becomes too perfect to stay

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