"Young Goodman Brown"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, in Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story "Young Goodman Brown", Hawthorne illustrates, through his use of mood, tone, and symbolism, that all men are capable of evil even if it begins in his own mind. The author points out that the forest, which is another significant symbol, is the location where Brown succumbs to the evil for which he fears. The paper relates that Hawthorne's message is that a person's faith must be more solid than the religion in which he or she believes or the church he or she attends.

From the Paper:

"Faith is a powerful symbol that represents the struggle between evil and good. While there is much speculation concerning her character, it cannot be denied that Hawthorne utilizes her character to emphasize man's capability toward evil. When Brown hears her voice in the woods, we see the last of his faith in mankind slipping away. Korb observes that Hawthorne suggests, "Faith herself has also agreed to a covenant with the Devil. She asks Brown not to leave that evening, for she is filled with such thoughts that she's afeared of herself sometimes. Yet her voice is sad, as if she has resigned herself to accepting the evil to come. In the end, Brown never knows if Faith also rejects the Devil." "

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