Mrs. McPherson’s black veil and mourning cloak represent the inauthenticity of her grief, as well as the freedom and empowerment her husband’s death has afforded her. Throughout her husband’s funeral, Mrs. McPherson’s face is obscured by the veil, and her children comment that it’s impossible to tell how she’s truly feeling because they have yet to see her face. They regard it as a typical symbol of mourning and expect that she’ll look old, tired, and devastated underneath. After she stuns her children with the revelation that she is in possession of all her husband’s assets and has no intention of surrendering her newfound independence, she dramatically removes her veil. First, she opens the window shades so that the blinding Colorado sunshine fills the room, fundamentally altering the dark and funereal atmosphere. Then she throws off the veil, which she explains is borrowed. That the veil is borrowed symbolizes the inauthenticity of her grief. Rather than a symbol of genuine sadness over her husband’s death, Mrs. McPherson’s grief is a costume she has borrowed to live up to what society expects of a widow. After shedding the veil, though, she removes her black mourning cloak and reveals a traveling suit underneath. The suit represents the exciting and empowered future that awaits her now that she is free of her family and her limiting, domestic role as a woman.
The Black Veil and Mourning Cloak Quotes in The Widow’s Might
“I’m going to do what I never did before. I’m going to live!”
With a firm swift step, the tall figure moved to the window and pulled up the lowered shades. The brilliant Colorado sunshine poured into the room. She threw off the long black veil.
“That’s borrowed,” she said. “I didn’t want to hurt your feelings at the funeral.”
She unbuttoned the long black cloak and dropped it at her feet, standing there in the full sunlight, a little flushed and smiling, dressed in a well-made traveling suit of dull mixed colors.
The Black Veil and Mourning Cloak Symbol Timeline in The Widow’s Might
