Critical Analysis of Symbolism in Young Goodman Brown

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Critical Analysis of Symbolism in Young Goodman Brown

In this life, we have to make many choices. Some are very important choices. Some are not. Many of our choices are between good and evil. The choices we make, however, determine to a large extent our happiness or our unhappiness, because we have to live with the consequences of our choices. James E. Faust. Nathaniel Hawthorne was a descendant of Puritans who came to America in search of religious freedom. Strict adherence to religious doctrine was ingrained in him, yet he fully understood how a good person could struggle with evil, and that sometimes actions done in the name of good were in fact evil (Becnel). In Young Goodman Brown,” written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, there are various ways he relays the central theme that in this world there is both good and evil that we all will encounter. Hawthorne uses multiple writing techniques, such as figurative language, character dialogue, and the characters actions to relay this message.

Throughout the story, Young Goodman Brown the author uses figurative language such as imagery and symbolism to convey the main theme of good versus evil. For example, as the main character, Goodman Brown enters the forest, the author uses imagery. Hawthorne describes the road as dreary and dark because of the gloomiest trees of the forest which hang over the road. By using these adjectives, Hawthorne paints a picture that conveys evil and eeriness. He goes on to explain that the path is so narrow that it barely allows the traveler to pass before it seems too close behind the traveler. Furthermore, he implies that there are horrors within the trees themselves that are concealed by the innumerable trunks (Hawthorne). The author uses vivid imagery to demonstrate how the main character feels, uneasy in the setting around him, which also creates a harrowing mood in the story.

In addition to this vivid imagery, Hawthorne uses symbolism in his setting, both time and place, as well as in names and objects (Lawson). The forest around Goodman Brown is not only spooky, but it symbolizes the embodiment of evil, sin, and uncertainty as well. Puritans believed that the forest was the Devils lair. Another example of symbolism is seen in Goodman Browns wife, Faith. In the story, Faith represents many different things such as Goodman Browns faith, his reminder to resist the devil, and goodness. Furthermore, the pink ribbon that Faith wears on her head symbolizes innocence. Lastly, as Goodman Brown is walking through the woods he comes upon the man with whom he has an appointment; this man represents the devil. Hawthorne conveys this through his description of the mans staff, which bore the likeness of a great black snake which seemed to be able to twist and wriggle itself like a living serpent (Hawthorne). Furthermore, the form of a snake is a biblical allusion to Satan which reinforces the symbolism.

The author also uses character dialogue to demonstrate the central theme of good versus evil. In the story, there are many people in the town who are tempted by the devil, such as the selectmen, a pious old lady, Goodman Brown, and Faith. While Goodman Brown and the traveler (devil) are talking, the traveler reveals to him just how many of the townspeople are corrupt. In this dialogue, the traveler reveals that he is acquainted with many people, including the deacons of the church who have drunk the communion wine with me; government leaders have made me their chairman; Leaders within the court system are firm supporters of my interest; and even The governor is in business with him. (Hawthorne). This conversation illustrates that leaders of churches, governments, and the court system can be tempted by evil in this world. As Goodman Brown and the traveler (devil) are walking along the road, Brown spots his former teacher of the catechism, Goody Cloyse, who he believed to be a good woman. Sadly, he soon learns that even she is acquainted with the devil because she recognizes and calls out to him (Becnel). Brown then questions his own faith and wonders, What if a wretched old woman does choose to go to the devil when I thought she was going to heaven: is that any reason why I should quit my dear Faith and go after her?(Hawthorne). Through these conversations, the reader sees how different people can be tempted by the devil, even the woman who taught Goodman Brown the principles of his religion.

Finally, in Young Goodman Brown, the author uses the characters actions to convey the main theme of good versus evil in the story. An example of how good can triumph over evil is after Goodman Brown hears of all the people who have become corrupt and evil because of the devil, and yet he remains strong in his faith. Hawthorne describes Brown as ready to give up and break down from the heavy sickness of his heart. Despite this, Hawthorne gives him the strength to stand firm against the Devil! (Hawthorne). Brown doesnt allow himself to become corrupt as those before him did. Another example of the character’s actions relaying the central theme is when the devil reveals the sins of the deacons to the readers. The actions of both Goodman Brown and the Deacons of churches show that For many, it is a strong faith in God that helps maintain one’s good nature and avoid that temptation. A lack of such faith, and the modesty and humility that accompanies it, are both qualities that may affect one’s choices in the battle between good and evil (McHugh).

Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote many stories that centered around faithfulness, the struggles of mankind with sin, and good versus evil. He did an excellent job of portraying the theme of good versus evil in his short story, Young Goodman Brown. Hawthornes deep Puritan background largely contributed to the overall theme of good versus evil, but also the humans tendency to perceive evil in others. The short story was one that provided information intended to provoke deep thoughts as well as entertain its readers.

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