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Young Goodman Brown: Good or Evil?

Young Goodman Brown: Good or Evil?
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “Young Goodman Brown”, the lines between good and evil are continuously blurred as Brown proceeds from the village into the forest to carry out his onetime evil deed. The separation of the village and forest is key in distinguishing between good and evil in the opening of the story. Brown’s wife “Faith” represents his simplistic view of good and evil. Brown’s traveling partner in the forest, which bares a striking resemblance to him, is a representation of the devil. The incorporation of the leaders of Brown’s life into the forest represents the breakdown of his simple childlike view of life. The complete confusion of good and evil causes Brown to withdraw from everything he had loved so vigorously, prior to his to his dream or experience.

In the opening of the story, the village, to Brown contains all things that are good and pure to him. All the spiritual leaders of his life are ther...

Posted by: Sheryl Hogges

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