Anti-transcendentalism, or dark romanticism, was a large movement in literature that portrayed ideals which were very different from those of transcendentalist pioneers such as Emerson and Thoreau. Hawthorne, of course, was a huge figure in the "dark romanticism" movement, as is evidenced by such writing as "The Minister's Black Veil". In "TMBV", Hawthorne discusses and argues the idea that humans are inherently and unavoidably sinful. This differs greatly from the philosophy of well-known transcendentalists, as said philosophy fervently believes in the goodness of man.
When the main character of "TMBV", Mr. Hooper, delivers his first sermon under his "new look", it is a decidedly sinister and accusatory speech. Hooper's sermon "... had reference to secret sin, and those sad mysteries which we hide from our nearest and dearest, and would fain conceal from our own consciousness, even forgetting that the Omniscient can detect them" (Hawthorne 2). Moreover, his sermon was incredibly effective, and much of the audience felt disturbed, upset, and unquestionably shaken. Obviously, Hawthorne is attempting to portray with this passage how, regardless of how upsetting this knowledge of the human condition may be, it remains true for all people; although the people are definitely disturbed by Hooper's message, they all have a very big and meaningful reaction, that would be no more than utter disgust if the message had no grounding in reality.
Further, and less subtle evidence of anti-transcendentalist ideals can be found at the end of "TMBV", when Hooper, while on his deathbed, accuses everyone of hiding behind a veil. Reflecting back on Hooper's sermon from earlier on in the story, it is fairly obvious what he is referring to. Hooper explains his symbolic wearing of the veil to be a message to all who view him about the secrets people hide. Through Hooper, Hawthorne is arguing for these inherently true values of human beings, morosely musing on the idea that regardless of self-awareness of this, nothing can truly be done to avoid "wearing the veil".
When the main character of "TMBV", Mr. Hooper, delivers his first sermon under his "new look", it is a decidedly sinister and accusatory speech. Hooper's sermon "... had reference to secret sin, and those sad mysteries which we hide from our nearest and dearest, and would fain conceal from our own consciousness, even forgetting that the Omniscient can detect them" (Hawthorne 2). Moreover, his sermon was incredibly effective, and much of the audience felt disturbed, upset, and unquestionably shaken. Obviously, Hawthorne is attempting to portray with this passage how, regardless of how upsetting this knowledge of the human condition may be, it remains true for all people; although the people are definitely disturbed by Hooper's message, they all have a very big and meaningful reaction, that would be no more than utter disgust if the message had no grounding in reality.
Further, and less subtle evidence of anti-transcendentalist ideals can be found at the end of "TMBV", when Hooper, while on his deathbed, accuses everyone of hiding behind a veil. Reflecting back on Hooper's sermon from earlier on in the story, it is fairly obvious what he is referring to. Hooper explains his symbolic wearing of the veil to be a message to all who view him about the secrets people hide. Through Hooper, Hawthorne is arguing for these inherently true values of human beings, morosely musing on the idea that regardless of self-awareness of this, nothing can truly be done to avoid "wearing the veil".