The author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, develops the themes of hidden sin and underlying guilt through the growing unease among the congregation at Mr. Hooper's appearance and the message of his sermon. The black veil that Mr. Hooper wears serves as a powerful symbol of his hidden sins and the guilt that he may carry. As he enters the church, the congregation is filled with astonishment and confusion, which reflects their discomfort with the veil and what it represents. They are unable to understand why their pastor has chosen to shroud himself in darkness, leading them to project their own fears and guilt onto Mr. Hooper.
Furthermore, the congregation's reaction highlights their collective consciousness of sin. They struggle to engage with Mr. Hooper as the veil obscures his features, creating a barrier not only between him and his parishioners but also between them and their own vulnerabilities. The tension builds as Mr. Hooper ascends the pulpit, suggesting that he is discussing themes of guilt and sin that resonate deeply within them. This culmination of emotions illustrates how the presence of the veil amplifies the congregation's internal conflicts about their own hidden sins, creating a powerful atmosphere of discomfort and reflection.
In this way, Hawthorne juxtaposes the terrifying nature of Mr. Hooper's appearance with the underlying themes of guilt in the sermon, demonstrating how the veil not only represents his personal struggles but also forces the congregation to confront their own sins and the necessity of forgiveness.