Critical Analysis of “Young Goodman Brown”
Introduction
This purpose of this essay is to research on the classical literature of Hawthorne’s book, ‘Young Goodman Brown’. The thesis of this research is based on the evil and good characteristics of the human nature shown in this story. This research will consist of a critical analysis of the story and to find out in what way the story is linked with human nature. As we can see that it is the story based on good and evil, so these two are traits of human nature (Hawthorne, 2005). So this essay will explain and analyses the two traits of human nature defined in the story. Hawthorne’s classic literature story ‘Young Goodman Brown’ is the tale that is just more than a mere tale exhibiting ambivalence. It is the story that is based on the events of 17th century revealing the double meaning of the tale (Readbookonline.net, 2014). The author has used the characters, plots, theme and symbolism to bring together a tale that is based on the characteristics of human nature and its struggle between evil and good (Hawthorne, 2005). Hawthorne is much more interested in the exploration of the social and psychological impacts of the knowledge that is guilty, whether this is based on the fact or not (Readbookonline.net, 2014). The combination of these had made the story that can be related to anybody. Thus, the allegorical nature and the ambiguous symbolism shown in this story signify that it is a tale which requires a vigorous continued critical attention (Hawthorne, 2005).
Critical Analysis of the Story
Hawthorne has used ambiguity theme throughout this story and this theme portrays double meaning. The story begins with Brown’s wife ‘Faith’ that asks Brown to not go ‘errand’. Goodman remarks to his wife that for one night I have to tarry away from you. Here the author has used two meanings of the word ‘Faith’ (Hawthorne, 2005). One is that he is talking to his wife and the other shows that he is also speaking his ‘Faith’ to God. One more example of this ambiguity as shown in this story is when Brown meets finally the Devil. He declares to the Devil that he was late because his Faith has kept him back for a while (Hawthorne, 2005). Again this has a double meaning as he was physically prevented from his wife but the God’s faith psychologically delayed the meeting of Devil (Hawthorne, 2005). The reader can judge from the story that Hawthorne has used the character of Goodman to display the human natures. Throughout the story, the author has used ambivalence with the help of his character Goodman Brown. Ambivalence means the feelings opposed that is occurred within the same person. When this person has specific values and is faced with it than this shows the sign of ambivalence. In the tale, we can see that Goodman is involved in a battle between evil and good. Hawthorne has remarked that ‘it is the instincts of man that guides him to an evil path’ (Hawthorne, 2005). This tale narrates the religious tale of Goodman during the whole course of night and it’s reflection on his life. The character Goodman is portrayed as a kind and a good man but he is navigated from a plethora of situations where he is in a quest that involves a little taste of ungodliness (Hawthorne, 2005). The symbol used by the author further deepens the meaning of the message. The symbols show are individual objects, the setting and the characters that are represented. The tale is still shrouded in mystery as there are two men that move throughout the forest together. These men talk about the family of Goodman and he finds it difficult to believe that these men know his Grandfather (Hawthorne, 2005). When the two man were about to approach their destination, Goodman wanted to turn back towards his wife. Goodman realizes that his faith i.e. his wife is recognized as a spiritual guide and a teacher. But Goodman realizes that his wife is also the part o evil that he was surrounded from. This was also true with the Minister and the Gookin (the two characters that were travelling with Goodman). Goodman realizes that both of these men are also in the league with evil. When Goodman moves out from their path and the darkness he sees a pink ribbon that is blown next to him (Hawthorne, 2005).
The main characters in this story are Devil and Goodman whereas Faith is also often mentioned. The names Faith and Goodman itself signify a deeper meaning. The name Goodman symbolizes and is linked with ‘a kind and a good man’; ‘Faith’ means the trust in God and also another meaning of faith is the sweet, young bride of Goodman. So, the whole story has double meaning that stretches the length of the tale. It is mentioned in Hawthorne’s (444, Para 12) that when Goodman was late to meet with the Devil, it was faith the kept him back. This faith can be regarded as his religious conviction to God or his wife that held him back and from coming earlier (Readbookonline.net, 2014). The character of Devil is portrayed as deceitful, full of turmoil and evil (Hawthorne, 2005). In this whole story we can see that Goodman is wailing along paths most of his time throughout the woods. This path is symbolized as a religious expedition which is explained by the author as ‘a dreary road’ (Readbookonline.net, 2014). This means the path that is darkened because of the gloomy forest’s trees and these trees stood aside leaving a narrow creep path (406, Para 9). As Goodman ventures farther into this darkness the harder his path becomes. This derived Goodman diverging the path and progress to a path that is easier to travel. This explains that it is convenient to walk in the path of lesser resistance but it is not a wise thing to do (Hawthorne, 2005). Every individual object shown in the tale holds a deeper meaning and significance symbolically; especially the contributions of the two staffs by the sinister companion of Goodman. The first consists of the great black snake resemblance and is wrought curiously. This staff can wriggle and twist itself just like any serpent living.
Conclusion
In short, Nathaniel Hawthorne has masterfully portrayed the fact using the irony of the story that people although may look good from the outside but they are enveloped in all sorts of evil within themselves (Hawthorne, 2005). A descriptive imagery is also used by the author to describe the evils that is seen in the characters and in the forest (Hawthorne, 2005). Hawthorne portrays the dark venture of Goodman’s Brown into this evil path using his imagery and describes the vivid forest and the ceremony of the witch. This irony is used by the writer to refer to those people that are involved in the ceremony and the people that are part of the life of Goodman (Readbookonline.net, 2014). This irony and ambiguity used by the author is named ‘Faith’ which refers to both the spiritual faith and also Brown’s wife. Thus, Faith has different symbolizing meaning attached to the main character. So, this tale is about Goodman as how he ventures into the woods and completes an evil deed.
References
Hawthorne, N. (2005). Young Goodman Brown. Wildside Press LLC.
Hawthorne, N. (1987). Young Goodman Brown. Digital American Literature Anthology, 1.
Readbookonline.net,. (2014). Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story: Young Goodman Brown. Retrieved 28 November 2014, from http://www.readbookonline.net/readOnLine/1776/
Webber, C. W. (2009). Young Goodman Brown. Alienation, 203.
