Secrets

One of the recurring themes in "The Blithedale Romance" is that of secrets. When Mr. Moodie first approaches Coverdale for a favor, he hesitates in asking, but his mention of Zenobia indicates a connection upon which he does not elaborate. Hollingsworth reveals Priscilla when he arrives at Blithedale, but he does not reveal anything about the girl's past. Coverdale often perplexes himself by wondering about Zenobia and Priscilla's pasts. The neighbors surrounding Blithedale gossip about a possible romance between Hollingsworth and Zenobia. Moodie's questions about the relationship between Zenobia and Priscilla indicate a secret to their relationship, and Westervelt's visit to Blithedale only heightens the mystery surrounding Priscilla.

When Zenobia tells "The Silvery Veil", it indicates a connection between Priscilla and the Veiled Lady. Zenobia's casual gesture toward Hollingsworth upon leaving Eliot's Pulpit reveals that she is in love with him. The secrecy surrounding Zenobia and Priscilla is...