The Minister's Black Veil

Question 1

Author?

Answer 1

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Question 2

Connection?

Answer 2

Cask of Amontillado

Question 3

Why this story?

Answer 3

Physical barrier between protagonist and outer world, Montressor’s constructed wall represents his desire to reinstate his family’s honour, Hooper’s veil represents his desire for Heaven and redemption from sin. Veils enforce their deepest beliefs. Deep pride from both knowing they’ve accomplished their mission on their deathbed.

Question 4

Themes

Answer 4

Secret sin, underlying guilt, sacrifice, redemption, self induced isolation + alienation, disguise, deception, repentance, miscommunication + misunderstanding, salvation, superior knowledge, appearance, perception, interpretation, Puritanism, morality, pride, life + death, light + dark.

Question 5

Tone

Answer 5

Gothic, dark + gloomy, ominous, death

Question 6

Diction

Answer 6

Somber, melancholic, withheld

Question 7

Literary devices

Answer 7

Imagery, situational irony, symbolism, foreshadowing, simile, metaphor