The first mention of sin in the bible is mentioned in the fifth chapter of Romans, written by Paul. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Rom. 5:12). According to Paul, humanity was cursed because Adam sinned when he ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Since the creation of Adam, all is guilty of sin. Every living soul will have to face judgment on the second coming of Christ, and not everyone handles sin in the same manner. Lucky for us all we have a loving and forgiving father. A fictional story titled The Minister’s Black Veil was written by Nathaniel Hawthorne and published in the year 1836. Mr. Hawthorne illustrates how a clergyman deals with his guilt of sin. This remarkable story features a main character, Reverend Hooper, who is deemed a mysterious man because he wears a black veil to conceal his sin(s) from others until his death. Reverend Hooper was a good preacher because his veiled face was of a physical symbol for his parishioners to concentrate on, although he was not overly energetic to help influence his parishioners. Reverend Hooper demonstrates his inability to cope with sin by

n by hiding his face, by not conveying a needed reason for wearing a veil, and by using the veil as a tangible presence to cover his physical fear of others.

The second evidence of Reverend Hooper not having the ability to cope with sin was not to reveal his purpose of hiding his face. “His inability was so great in connection to the veil that he never willingly stopped before a mirror or bent to drink from a fountain” (215). Mr. Hooper’s conscience tortured him for reasons that we can only surmise. The sin within him was physically betrayed to his parishioners with a ghost like appearance. He felt within himself a terrible sadness for the world. Elizabeth perceived the veil to conceal some terrible sin and Mr. Hooper’s inability to remove it cut off their relationship. “Friends at times thought the veil to be merely eccentric whim. The gentle and timid people would turn aside to avoid him” (215)

The final way Reverend Hooper illustrates his inability to handle his sin(s) is by building a wall to separate him from others. Mr. Hooper appeared at times to be unapproachable and suspicious. Although in reality he was kind and loving of those around him. As time progressed Mr. Hooper was called upon to do some important religious sermons but the presence of his black veil brought forth unwanted reactions from the group he talked to that was gathered before him. Mr. Hooper walked continually in the shadow searching his own soul and smiled sadly at the distance, which his parishioners maintained from him because of their fear. Elizab