Journal #9

Michelle Romero
Eng. 48, Dr. Scott Lankford

Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne

"At that instant, catching a glimpse of his figure in the looking-glass, the black veil involved his own spirit in the horror with which it overwhelmed all others. His frame shuddered--his lips grew white--he spilt the untasted wine upon the carpet--and rushed forth into the darkness" (1315).

This is a passage describes Mr. Hooper noticing his reflection in a mirror while he was at a wedding ceremony, at his physical reaction to himself.

This passage to me shows the sadness in Mr. Hooper's life, and the absence of love. The context of this passage is a wedding ceremony right after he gives a toast to the couple on their happy day. And yet, there is sadness about it. However, Hooper experiences a change when he sees his "figure" and not actually his face. This fact may suggest that Hooper became in touch with his physical self and discovered his body, as more than just a temple for the Holy Spirit.

When Mr. Hooper sees his reflection, he has a rather odd reaction to himself. In fact, he spills the "untasted wine." Since wine is red, a color that is associated with love, we can infer that Hooper has not had a taste or experience of love. In a more Freudian interpretation, we can guess that he actually has sex with a woman who was a virgin, hence the wine (or blood that a woman may expel during first intercourse), is called "untouched." In addition, his body actually shudders and his lips go white, all physical reactions a body may have to sexual arousal. Therefore, PERHAPS the minister slept with the bride since this is all happening at her wedding! Then, he "rushed forth into the darkness," perhaps to go in hiding if their encounter happened in the evening, or perhaps this part could symbolize something else.

Either way, it's a theory.