by Nathaniel Hawthorne
At length Elizabeth sat silent. For a few momentsshe appeared lost in thought, considering, probably,what new methods might be tried to withdraw herlover from so dark a fantasy, which, if it had no othermeaning, was perhaps a symptom of mentaldisease.
Though of a firmer character than his own, the tearsrolled down her cheeks. But in an instant, as it were,a new feeling took the place of sorrow: her eyeswere fixed insensibly on the black veil, when like asudden twilight in the air its terrors fell around her.She arose and stood trembling before him.
“And do you feel it, then, at last?” said he,mournfully.
She made no reply, but covered her eyes with herhand and turned to leave the room. He rushedforward and caught her arm.
“Have patience with me, Elizabeth!” cried he,passionately. “Do not desert me though this veilmust be between us here on earth. Be mine, andhereafter there shall be no veil over my face, nodarkness between our souls. It is but a mortal veil; itis not for eternity. Oh, you know not how lonely I am,and how frightened to be alone behind my black veil!Do not leave me in this miserable obscurity for ever.”
“Lift the veil but once and look me in the face,” saidshe.
“Never! It cannot be!” replied Mr. Hooper.
“Then farewell!” said Elizabeth.
She withdrew her arm from his grasp and slowlydeparted, pausing at the door to give one long,shuddering gaze that seemed almost to penetratethe mystery of the black veil. But even amid his griefMr. Hooper smiled to think that only a materialemblem had separated him from happiness, though
A)
Use the passage from “The Minister’s BlackVeil” by Nathaniel Hawthorne to answer thequestion.
Which statement analyzes how Mr. Hooper’smoral dilemma influences the theme of thestory?
(1 point)
Mr. Hooper’s decision to refuse to do
what Elizabeth asks develops a theme
related to confronting one’s hidden
desires.
Mr. Hooper’s decision to keep the veil and
lose Elizabeth supports a theme related
to adhering to one’s moral ideals.
Mr. Hooper’s decision to tell Elizabeth
why he wears the veils supports a theme
related to the importance of being honest.
Mr. Hooper’s decision to reject Elizabeth
develops a theme related to being brave
in the face of adversity.
1 answer
The most fitting statement that analyzes how Mr. Hooper’s moral dilemma influences the theme of the story is:
Mr. Hooper’s decision to keep the veil and lose Elizabeth supports a theme related to adhering to one’s moral ideals.
This choice demonstrates Hooper's commitment to his own self-imposed convictions and the existential weight of his choices, emphasizing the conflict between personal happiness and moral integrity.
1 answer
1 answer
1 answer
1 answer