In contrast, ?The Minister?s Black Veil?s? symbolism can be confusing at times. It has an odd, twisted storyline which makes it difficult to understand and can camouflage the deeper meanings. Much of the story is clouded in mystery. Everything seems to represent something else and is open to interpretation. This makes it more difficult to find and understand the deeper messages. The following is How Hawthorne describes Elizabeth?s response to whether she dislikes the veil:
"No," said she aloud, and smiling, "there is nothing terrible in this piece of crape, except that it hides a face which I am always glad to look upon. Come, good sir, let the sun shine from behind the cloud. First lay aside your black veil: then tell me why you put it on."
Mr. Hooper's smile glimmered faintly.
"There is an hour to come," said he, "when all of us shall cast aside our veils. Take it not amiss, beloved friend, if I wear this piece of crape till then."
"Your words are a mystery, too," returned the young lady. "Take away the veil from them, at least." (Pages 14-15)
Mr. Hooper?s answer creates confusion for both Elizabeth and the reader. What does he mean that we all have veils? When will we cast them aside? Even Elizabeth is so confused by what he says that she asks him to take away the mystery. Hawthorne understands that Mr. Hooper is being confusing here. The author is trying to use this approach to communicate in a different way. It is clearly done on purpose for the story. But it makes it more difficult to get behind the story to the allegorical parts. The reader needs to weed through those devices to get at the symbols.