I think the reason is hinted to in the footnote in the beginning of the story. ... In the footnote, Hawthorne makes a reference to another clergyman who also wore a black veil but duly notes that it was for a different reason. ... So if there was an affair and he called it off and she committed suicide, he might feel guilty. Or perhaps she became pregnant with his bastard child and through complications with abortion she died. ...

• Word Count: 1133
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School