Nathaniel Hawthorne The Ministers Black utf-8QVeilE2809D_ utf-8QE2809CYoung_Goodman Brown 23rd 06 23

Abstract

Nathaniel Hawthorne, “The Ministers Black Veil” & “Young Goodman Brown” Discuss one thematic connection between “The Ministers Black Veil” and “Young Goodman Brown” What integral theme do they share Both “The Ministers Black Veil” and “Young Goodman Brown” have a strong thematic connection as they revolve around the darker aspects of human nature as well as offering an exploration of the tension between morality and sin. For this reason, one can argue that both of these short stories explore on human potentials for sin through the dark aspect of human nature as an integral theme. Following both stories, it is open that each human holds and carries within their inner being the ability to commit evil. Such abilities remains well reflected in “The Ministers Black Veil” by Reverend Hooper’s decision to wear the black veil which is a reflection of the presence of secret guilt and sin that defines human nature as expressed through the following quote “But what has good Parson Hooper got upon his face? Cried Sexton in astonishment..........Something that will soon be seen, replied the minister.” Such a quote implies that regardless of the hidden sin and guilt, the true identity/character of the hidden aspect will come to the light. On the other hand “Young Goodman Brown” offers the same description of the human nature to omit evil through Goodman’s journey into the woods where he encounters familiar humans like his wife among others that reveal their participation in satanic rituals. Such encounters challenges Goodman’s perception of the people around human’s around him and the world at large citing that “Evil is the nature of mankind.......evil must be your only happiness” implying that human nature remains well defined by sin and immorality. Based on the shared theme from both short stories, one can...