An Analysis Of The Consciousness Of Original Sin In The Minister’s Black Veil

Nathaniel Hawthorne(1804-1864), as an outstanding romantic writer in America in the 19 th century, is praised as the first great novelist of American nation. Hawthorne is famous for his novel The Scarlet Letter but in fact his short stories are also worth of studying. The thesis mainly researches his short story The Minister’s Black Veil and emphasizes on its reflection of original sin. First of all, under the influence of family surroundings and grow up environment, Hawthorne is deeply affected by the Puritanism. Hawthorne thinks human beings are born with original sin which prompts the emergence of different kinds of crimes in society. So original sin is the origin of all kinds of sin. Secondly, there is a deep contradiction in his process of exploring human beings’ nature. On one hand Puritanism has already rooted deeply in Hawthorne’s mind, while on the other hand he engages himself into doubting and criticizing of puritan doctrines. Hawthorne hesitates between evil and good, punishment and forgiveness, so he not only just admits the evil human nature but he also affirms its enlightenment function of good. The essence of the contradiction actually is the result of the confliction of his main thinking source.As one of the best short stories of Hawthorne, The Minister’s Black Veil has rich connotation and interpretation space. In order to further explore the issue of original sin and salvation, the thesis aims at exploring this topic from a total new point of view. On the basis of textual analysis, the thesis firstly begins from the following aspects like the causes, manifestation and the influences to explain Hawthorne’s consciousness of original sin. Secondly, through the comparison between Transcendentalism and the thought of the evil nature of man, the thesis strives to reach the unity of history and logic thus changes the existed misunderstanding of Hawthorne in the critical field. After the detailed exploration, the thesis finds that Hawthorne speaks highly of the harmonious relation between people and the outside world and this is just the way for the sinners to get out of their guilt in Hawthorne’s works.This thesis is comprised of three parts: introduction, main body and conclusion. The main contents are as follows:The first part is introduction. In this part a main brief description about Nathaniel Hawthorne’s works, the relevant comments at home and abroad and his literary achievements are given and then points out the great significance and unique point of view of the analysis on this work.The second part is the main body which consists of three chapters. The first chapter explores the historical background of Hawthorne’s consciousness of original sin. During the 20 years when Hawthorne created his works which is the time when America witnessed great changes from all aspects. Faced with the emerging social problems, Hawthorne hoped through the exploration of original sin to find the solving method. Hawthorne’s consciousness of original sin is dialectical. On one hand, he admits that original sin is the part of human nature. On the other hand, he denies the unaltered degeneration also he thinks through atoning human beings can free from the sin and regain humanity. The thesis selects Puritanism and Transcendentalism as the main reasons to discuss the source of Hawthorne’s consciousness of original sin. Puritanism undoubtedly becomes the most important reason which is not only the source of Hawthorne’s thought but also the inspiration of his creation. The second reason is the Transcendentalism which is the popular philosophical thought at that time. Hawthorne has lived in the Brook farm for a long time, after the close touch with transcendentalists his thought is influenced by Transcendentalism gradually.The second chapter emphasizes on explaining the reflection of original sin in The Minister’s Black Veil. Through the comparison between Hooper and townspeople’s opposite attitude towards original sin, readers can clearly understand Hawthorne’s opinion on original sin. Mr. Hooper faces the sin bravely while the townspeople choose to ignore it. Mr. Hooper’s black veil is a reminder of sin but his behavior doesn’t bring any positive influence. What’s more, such behavior directly leads to his tragic life. The comparison benefits a lot for the thesis to further explain Hawthorne’s writing thought.The third chapter focuses on the influence of Hawthorne’s consciousness of original sin. Through exploring the short story, the thesis generally introduces the influence from three aspects which are the influence on American literature, the influence on American society and the influence on modern people. From the point of the whole American literal background, Hawthorne’s works and his thought not only regard as the peak of his contemporaries but also pave the way for the following writers. From the point of social development, Hawthorne’ exploration of soul is a necessary reflection of his social responsibility and consciousness. For our modern people, though the work was written about two hundred years ago, its warning meaning still in work in our times.The last part is conclusion. This part, on the basis of comprehensive analysis, makes the following conclusion. As a romantic writer, Hawthorne’s consciousness of original sin owns the characteristics of humanism. Hawthorne has a firm belief of love and he believes love is the true reason to save human beings. Though the salvation method has its own limitation, its positive significance breaks the limitation of time. What’s more, it provides us an alternative way to solve the existed social problems in China.