Hawthorne Prompt

We read three of Hawthorne's short stories-- "Young Goodman Brown," "The Minister's Black Veil," and "The Birth-Mark"-- all of which promote, in some way, the idea that things are not always as they seem. People are not always as "good" as they appear, family members hide evil thoughts, and our neighbors harbor secret desires. In short, Hawthorne plays with the idea of secrets.

Using evidence and impressions from at least one of the stories, explore Hawthorne's treatment of this intriguing concept of secrets and secret lives. How might the idea that everyone is hiding something have startled or otherwise affected 19th century readers? How does it affect us now? What message do you think Hawthorne is trying to convey in his discussions of a "secret self" that lives just beneath the surface?

Please remember that your posting should have a controlling idea (a main point, sometimes also known as a thesis) and analyze elements of the story to promote and further this controlling idea. Your posting is due Thursday by 10 AM.