Innocence vs. Reality

Innocence vs. Reality


The story "Young Goodman Brown" written by Nathaniel Hawthorne presents two themes: loss of innocence and coping with reality. The character that loses his innocence, or his illusion of innocence, is the main character, Young Goodman Brown. As the pages of the story turn, Young Goodman Brown's outlook toward his Salem community changes considerably. Feelings of distrust and a sense of wickedness replace Young Goodman Brown's initial trust and admiration for the people of Salem.
A loss of innocence is one major theme of the short story that is seen first and most easily. The innocent characters in the story are Young Goodman Brown and his wife, Faith. In the beginning of the story, Young Goodman Brown is faced with a conflict between joining the ranks of the devil or remaining innocent. It is a very difficult personal journey for Young Goodman Brown as he travels through the woods testing his faith, all the while th...