Young_Goodman_Brown

Young Goodman Brown Dreading the Dark of Humanity Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'Young Goodman Brown,' widely regarded as one of his finest works, illustrates vividly how society and culture can influence one's sense of reality (53 ). Goodman Brown is everyman of general intelligence striving to live and achieve a better life (60 ). Faith and righteousness were daily themes in Puritan society, however when Goodman Brown faces change in his perception, the once solid foundation is washed away. The journey into the wilderness enlightens Brown to societal truths amidst his struggle within himself and against fellow men. It is a dreaded walk on the dark side of the human heart (26 ). Consuming most of Hawthorne's tale is a test of faith. For three months Brown has been married to a young woman symbolizing his faith (60 ). She even carries this name and lets her role in the story tie to that aspect of her husband's life. Brown calls for his wife three times as he stands before the devil at the alter. Goodman then cries, 'My Faith is gone.'(9 brown, goodman, faith, young, society, journey, forest, one, even, world, evil, wife, sin, own, puritan, life, heart, devil, browns, yet, shear, power, now, home, himself, dark, before, trust, sees, return, place, others, once, much, human