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What Are The Symbols In The Minister's Black Veil

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Symbolism Essay Many short stories convey a very strong message through the use of literary techniques. These techniques can range from the use of allegorical ideas to the use of symbolism to get across the interconnected message that is associated with the story. “The Minister’s Black Veil”, a very powerful allegory, portrays strong symbols like the mirror, pale-faced congregation, and veil that move the story along while getting the interconnected message across. These symbols in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s romantic story all represent more than one idea that relates to the theme or message of this short story, about individual sin. A mirror provides a reflection of light, but in this story a reflection means much more. Every time the minister realizes the influence of the veil, he instantly rethinks his decision and shudders at what he has turned into. The mirror in this story represents realization and truth about what the minister has become as a result of the veil. When the minister wears the veil throughout the day, a mirror would show him the image of himself from other people’s point of view. He seems to dislike himself for his decision to wear the veil, but takes the burden. While dealing with this burden he never attempts to see himself in this state for he is ashamed and scared. “In truth, his own antipathy to the veil was known to be so great, that he never willingly passed before a mirror…affrighted by himself” (Hawthorne). The mirror in this story provides not only grim …show more content…

These symbols make the readers look father than just the surface of these objects to fully understand the message the author is trying to get across. Symbolism helps this piece deliver a specific powerful message about the sins of everyone by using random objects or groups that represent a lot

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