Gothic Literature Test

PART A Which statement reflects a theme of “The Minister’s Black Veil”?

• Humans should fear the unknown.
• Life should be lived without regrets.
• Relationships can survive secrets, but not lies.
• Forgiveness is often preached but seldom practiced.

PART B Which sentence from “The Minister’s Black Veil” best supports the answer to Part A?

• Some gathered in little circles, huddled closely together, with their mouths all whispering in the centre; some went homeward alone, wrapped in silent meditation; some talked loudly, and profaned the Sabbath day with ostentatious laughter. (paragraph 13)
• It was remarkable that, of all the busybodies and impertinent people in the parish, not one ventured to put the plain question to Mr. Hooper, wherefore he did this thing. (paragraph 23)
• But that piece of crape, to their imagination, seemed to hang down before his heart, the symbol of a fearful secret between them and him. (paragraph 23)
• Even if his bewildered soul could have forgotten, there was a faithful woman at his pillow, sho, with averted eyes, would have covered that aged face, which she last beheld in the comeliness of manhood. (paragraph 47)

But so wonder-struck were they that his greeting hardly met with a return. (paragraph 6)

• Melancholy
• Intrigue

It was tinged, rather more darkly than usual, with the gentle gloom of Mr. Hooper’s temperament. (paragraph 12)

• Melancholy
• Intrigue

Such was its immediate effect on the guests, that a cloud seemed to have rolled duskily from beneath the black crape, and dimmed the light of the candles. (paragraph 21)

• Melancholy
• Intrigue

That, and the mystery concealed behind it, supplied a topic for discussion between acquaintances meeting in the street, and good women gossiping at their open windows. (paragraph 22)

• Melancholy
• Intrigue

But still good Mr. Hooper sadly smiled at the pale visages of the worldly throng as he passed by. (paragraph 43)

• Melancholy
• Intrigue

How does the plot structure of “The Pit and the Pendulum” affect the story’s overall meaning? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.

Read this sentence from paragraph 10 of “The Minister’s Black Veil.” There was a general bustle, a rustling of the women’s gowns and shuffling of the men’s feet, greatly at variance with that hushed repose which should attend the entrance of the minister. What is the most likely reason that the author includes this description of the sound in the meetinghouse?

• To underscore the atmosphere of serious spirituality
• To illustrate the minister’s lack of awareness
• To emphasize the sense of unease among the people
• To draw attention to the minister’s gait

The deterioration of the minister’s relationship with Elizabeth is significant to the plot of “The Minister’s Black Veil” because it —

• parallels the relationship the minister has with the church
• illustrates the immense power the veil has over others
• shows their fundamental incompatibility
• emphasizes the differences in their faith