...1. Consider the significance of the names of the title character and his wife. How are the names symbolic? Young Goodman Brown and his wife Faith, have both symbolic names. Brown's name symbolizes youth and the good nature of humankind. Brown character is a "young man" in the story, and his youth suggests that he is still naive and innocent and he can easily be corrupted by the evil in the world. Faith's name, as Hawthorne wrote, "Faith, as the wife was aptly named", commend that Brown's wife symbolizes the hope and the innocence found in a young wife. Brown's faith in the goodness in life is symbolized through his marriage to Faith. Faith symbolize, hope and the absolute confidence in the goodness in the world, the honest and truthful belief in something. 2. List what you think each of these symbols stands for: the woods (setting), the time of day, Faith's pink ribbons, the Traveler's staff. The woods can be Brown's own mind, a place created by his subconscious, dark as the forest, where he questions his truths, his love for faith, and his beliefs on human kind. It is simply fascinating, how the forest closes behind him, taking from him the option of going back to his beliefs, once he had become unsure about them. The forest can also be the place, not where he questions but face the truth. We all tend to try to embellish the world around us, so that it meets our needs. Brown may find himself in a conflict between the idealized world he once idealized, and the world...
Words: 619 - Pages: 3
...In the story Young Goodman Brown, the two major characters are Young Goodman Brown and Faith, who are married. They have been married for three months now and they seem to be in love. Faith is Goodman Brown’s soul –mate. She is getting used to being married and enjoying life. Her life seems to be going her way most of the time and she is just getting her life stated. Goodman Brown treats her like she is his world. He adores her and loves her innocence, purity, and young side of her. Young Goodman Brown is not exactly a hero. I believe he is trying to find himself in the story but I would not consider him to be a hero. Why you may ask? Well he sided with evil. He took the chance of disobeying the people he cared about and went against his religion. But, in some ways the way he found out who the people around him (his loved ones and his close friends) were. The truth was unveiled but only he could see it and by doing this he was a hero. He was a hero because he saw the truth and kept it as a burden in his life. He was forever changed. He was a hero for accepting the truth and moving on. One symbol in the story was the ‘traveler’s staff’. It was in some ways a serpent coming to tempt Young Goodman Brown. It showed that he was not strong enough to refuse the temptations of the devil. The serpent is used in many other stories to symbolize evil, such as Adam and Eve or even the Disney story of Aladdin. As you can see the serpent is used as a symbol of evil or the devil. Also...
Words: 419 - Pages: 2
...times of temptation and sin. In the story "Young Goodman Brown," symbolism can be found in Young Goodman Brown by the way he acts on the path with the devil and also in his wife, Faith in her name and pink ribbons. Young Goodman brown symbolizes more than one thing. He symbolizes good men, the battle between faith and temptation, and morality. This is shown when he goes into the woods and the whole - time regrets leaving his faith and thinks of turning back. After all of this happened and the "dream" is over, he is never the same and sees all of the sin in people around him until the day he died. The story states," They carved no hopeful verse on his tombstone for his dying hour was...
Words: 438 - Pages: 2
...After reading the short story, I would have never concluded that everything that happened was a dream. I concluded this from a statement. It states,” Had Goodman Brown fallen asleep in the forest, and only dreamed a wild dream of witch-meeting. I don’t understand why the story starts out with Goodman Brown leaving Faith. Why does the author want get rid of Faith so quickly? It states,” he had taken a dreary road, darkened by all the gloomiest trees of the forest, which barely stood aside to let the narrow path creep though, and closed immediately behind. When reading this statement, I had a feeling that something bad was going to happen to Young Goodman Brown since it said it closed immediately behind. It leaves me wondering what happened....
Words: 253 - Pages: 2
...When Goodman Brown meets the man whom Hawthorne later reveals to be the devil, Hawthorne draws attention to the man’s staff, which resembles a black serpent. The staff strongly suggests the man’s supernatural and sinful nature, and it connects “Young Goodman Brown” to the Biblical story of Adam and Eve’s temptation by a serpent to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge. Goodman Brown and Faith, like Adam and Eve, are tempted to do what is forbidden in their community and lose their innocence for the sake of knowledge. The staff of the devil in this story is described as having, “…the likeness of a great black snake, so curiously wrought that it might almost be seen to twist and wriggle itself like a living serpent.” (13) This is directly...
Words: 668 - Pages: 3
..."Young Goodman Brown" tells the tale of a young Puritan man drawn into a covenant with the Devil. Brown's illusions about the goodness of his society are crushed when he discovers that many of his fellow townspeople, including religious leaders and his wife, are attending a Black Mass. At the end of the story, it is not clear whether Brown's experience was nightmare or reality, but the results are nonetheless the same. Brown is unable to forgive the possibility of evil in his loved ones and as a result spends the rest of his life in desperate loneliness and gloom. Though a work of fiction, "Young Goodman Brown'' is widely considered to be one of the most effective literary works to address the hysteria surrounding the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Hawthorne is also remembered for helping to establish the short story as a respected form of literature and as a proponent of instilling morals and lessons into his writing. Source: Short Stories for Students, ©2012 Gale Cengage. "Young Goodman Brown" by Nathaniel Hawthorne chronicles the disturbing dream of a young Puritan man in Salem. In the dream, Goodman Brown comes face to face with evil and is forced to examine the nature of evil in man. He is disgusted by the evil he encounters, not realizing his own involvement. Through a psychoanalytic approach to analyzing the text, the reader can see that the meaning of the text lies in discovering the meaning of Goodman Brown's encounter in the woods. The story begins with Goodman Brown...
Words: 407 - Pages: 2
...Young Goodman Brown Analysis Prompt I The ironically named “Young Goodman Brown” is possibly the most ironic character in the entire parable. His name and “title” give the illusion that he is a good, righteous, and pure member of society who cannot be shaken from his seemingly correct beliefs. In this way, Brown presents himself to his wife and the rest of society. Before leaving for his ominous journey, Brown consoles his wife by saying, “Say thy prayers, dear Faith, and go to bed at dusk, and no harm will come to thee.” (pg 383) The false proscenium Brown has so carefully constructed dictates that he must be strong and unwavering, more concerned for his wife’s well being than his own, which, as we see later, is not the case. When in the...
Words: 775 - Pages: 4
...Young Goodman Brown Young Goodman Brown embarks on a spiritual journey as he leaves his wife faith behind, she prays for him to be safe. Goodman Brown feels bad for leaving his wife in such a short notice but he insists for he must go to save his faith from evil. They have only been married a few months but he loved his wife dearly. The road that Brown had taken was dark and very lifeless there was not a sole insight. Brown started to image things his mind was playing tricks on him, he constantly kept looking behind him to see if anyone was following him. Brown said to himself “What if the Devil himself be at my very elbow”. As Young Goodman Brown approaches an old tree there was a man seating down by the tree, it was Goodman’s companion he has been waiting for Goodman so they can continue their journey through the woods. The traveler was about Goodman’s height and almost the same in size they also had some resemblance to each other. The traveler walked with a staff that resembled a big black snake. Goodman Brown companion is a friend of the family and fought in Kings Phillips War with Goodman’s grandfather. Brown states he never heard of such tales and told his traveling companion that “we are people of prayer and of good works” says Brown. As they continued on into the forest the run into an old women that Goodman recognizes her name was Goody Cloyse. She was a well respected woman from the village. Brown didn’t want Goody to see him with his companion so brown cut through...
Words: 747 - Pages: 3
...Rachel Pilkinton Mrs. Dierks English Composition 2 January 21, 2012 Dream or Reality? Nathaniel Hawthorne’s story, “Young Goodman Brown”, is set during the Salem witch hunts and trials in the Salem Village. The true evil of this time, I believe, is not the people accused of being witches, but the accusers, the “witch hunters”, and the people who murdered innocent people for heresay, are the true evil of this time. I believe the story itself is all a dream, a dream that represents an actual reality; a reality that shows what is thought to be good is actually evil. Young Goodman Brown, like his grandfather and father, hunted what they thought was evil, like witches, Indians, medicine men, shamans, etc. He believed the work he was doing was for the good. I believe this is a dream showing Goodman Brown that the work that he , his family, and his fellow towns people are and have done in the name of God, may in fact be the work of the Devil, maybe the line between good and evil is blurring a little for Young Goodman Brown: when he arrives deep in the forest, he sees all the people in his life that represents good: his revered pastor, the good ole Deacon Gookin, Goody Cloyse; the old woman that taught him his catechism( the principles of Christianity), and still to this day, his spiritual guide, he even thought he saw his dead father, his mother, and all the people he believed to be the most holiest of people gathered and...
Words: 530 - Pages: 3
...Accept Reality A choice that everyone has in life is to decide whether or not to be good or evil. Not everyone will choose the path of well-being and righteousness, In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown,” Hawthorne illustrates a young man’s inability to accept the reality that there will always be evil in the world due to his strong Puritan belief. Goodman Brown was part of a religious sect that expected human begins to act a certain way. In the beginning he is faced with a decision to stay at home in Salem Village with his wife Faith, or to venture into the forest to meet with the devil himself. This is symbolic to Brown because if he makes the decision to meet with the Devil, then he is leaving his faith in God behind. When Goodman Brown decides to leave his village, he begins to worry about how the town’s people will react when finding out about his meeting with the devil. He states, “My Father never went into the woods on such an errand, not his father before him” (Hawthorne 625). This explains the matter of his father and grandfather, and how they...
Words: 637 - Pages: 3
...Young Goodman Brown has many aspects that correlate with Romanticism. The story does a good job of foreshadowing and connecting deeper meanings to its core. But it does an even better job of fleshing out its characters and leading the audience to the right place. Romanticism occurs in the forms of emotion, individualism, and overall imagination which all refer to Romanticism’s tradition. Emotion is a very necessary plot device in this story and furthers its essence into Romanticism. Expressing emotion is very useful but also very difficult especially when one tries to show not tell the reader. Nathaniel Hawthorne conveys these emotions through words with connotations that fit the scene. This works effectively throughout the story examples...
Words: 513 - Pages: 3
...Young Goodman Brown After the experience that Goodman faced in the forest, it is completely difficult for a human being to regain a positive outlook on the world once again. Goodman had trusted everybody in the village including his late parents, his wife and the other respected leaders and members of the society such as deacons. He knew that the pious leaders were doing their job and that each one on the right track. Similarly, he knew that even though his parents had passed earlier on, they had died as staunch Christians who feared God. His wife, Faith, had also been committed to the Christian world, and there was no point of doubting her at any instance. Nevertheless, things turned out to be the opposite when Goodman had an adventure in the forest, the people in the society whom he had trusted to be faithful and an icon to the rest of the people turned out to be evil. For instance, Cloyse was a pious member and a deacon member that the community respected. As such, Goodman was surprised to find out that she was indeed a witch and a devilworshipper. On the same note, when Goodman decided to continue with his journey despite the challenges, he was surprised to find even more members of his village in the ceremony. While on his way to the ceremony, Goodman is surprised to hear the voices of some of the deacons and ministers of his church at Salem including Deacon Gookin. For this reason, he points out “There is no good on earth, and sin is but a name." This means that everybody...
Words: 1252 - Pages: 6
...3/27/14 English II composition The Fall of Good Men “My love and my faith”, replied young Goodman Brown, “of all nights in the year, this one night must I tarry away from thee” (Hawthorne 158). Hawthorne gives a very small and at first unnoticed hint in one of the very first sentences. Although undersized, the hint is showing a bigger picture, and underlines how the rest of his story will unfold. Since the story is filled with so much controversy surrounding Faith, and the loss of the one thing a man needs most, it’s a very effectively utilized allegory. Deception, corruption, and sheer hate cause complete and utter destruction, which is what Young Goodman Brown found himself bound by. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s story is not just another problematic tale that gets your mind ruminating. With all of the detailed symbols and metaphors used by Hawthorne, it takes time to see that his story has significant ties to several Biblical narratives. It embodies the chronicles of mans fall, and his separation from God and faith. This story bleeds symbolism, even the most clear cut things like Young Goodman Brown’s name has a meaning behind it. Hawthorne didn’t just use any old name, he put meaning behind it. Young Goodman Brown symbolizes youth and good nature. Brown is a young man throughout the story, and his youth suggests that he has yet to be corrupted by the world and is still innocent. Browns wife Faith undoubtedly symbolizes actual faith in God; just as God is with us, during Browns...
Words: 2279 - Pages: 10
...ENC 1102 Final Exam Essay Years from today the piece “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne will most likely still be clear in my mind. This story is about one Puritan man who struggles internally with reality vs. imaginary and good vs. evil in an era and society that was so religious-oriented. It makes you wonder about hypocrisy that still goes on today. It’s no wonder “Young Goodman Brown” is considered a classic and with good reason too. The story contained symbolism, irony, and allusion. Its main theme could still be applied to issues in the modern day world. “Young Goodman Brown” takes place in a New England town during the 17th Century, a time when Puritan beliefs where still very much in practice. In the beginning of the story Brown is already burdened with guilt at the fact that he has lied to his wife, “Faith”, about going to a secret meeting in the woods. Faith, is not just a name, but is symbolic for what Brown is struggling to hold on to throughout the story. Her pink ribbon signifies innocence which can still be spared and she pleads him to stay. It’s ironic that Brown constantly tells himself he’ll turn back yet he never does. Brown is tempted and stunned by the sight of supposedly “pure” and well respected members of his town and of the church. Let’s not forget the mysterious old man that guides Brown through the woods. If you can remember Brown recalls seeing a snake that turns into a walking cane. I guess you could say this is a biblical allusion to...
Words: 638 - Pages: 3
...Kazuki Robertson Young Goodman Brown Paul Ohler Cohort #25 On a daily basis, we are launched into new experiences that test our certain point of view's. Some go as far as to twist all our previous knowledge and leave us with nothing but doubt in our minds; This was true for Young Goodman Brown the night he left his wife Faith to wander into the woods. Some would conclude Goodman became one with the devil when his initiation took place deep in the forest but his initiation.The strong symbolism scattered throughout the story brings out it's natural good vs evil plot and even shows similarities to Adam and eve. Young Goodman Brown was a Protestant man along with the whole population of his village. He has a wife named Faith that he has been married to for a short period of 3 months. Both his Father and Grandfather were religious and contributed to the society of the village. Overall, the introduction of his character portrays Goodman as one with good morals. Slowly over the course of the short story Young Goodman Brown does not change himself but begins to question if his morals and conscience are religiously purposeful. One strong characteristic Nathaniel Hawthorne shows in Young Goodman Brown is his innocence. His name "Young Goodman Brown" is a derivative of a justly innocent man and his wife Faith is shown to be his true belief. There are a lot of symbolic objects throughout the story and one includes his wife's pink ribbon. Pink is a color of youth and innocence and...
Words: 1117 - Pages: 5
