The Forest of Good and Evil in Young Goodman Brown”by...

The Forest of Good and Evil In â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author tells a story of a man named Goodman Brow. From the beginning to the end of the story, Hawthorne uses suspense, mystery, and conflict to create an interesting journey for his protagonist, who walks through the woods at night. However, there is more in it than just the story by itself; it is full of many forms of symbolism for the character names in every part of the story. Throughout the many symbols and elements, the story of â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† suggests the idea that man always faces an internal conflict between good and evil, and when the wrong path is chosen, the effects of this can cause one to fill with doubt for the rest of his life. The†¦show more content†¦The mutual connection between these two characters is just not the bond between husband and wife. Rather, it shows the inner struggle that human faces to maintain religious beliefs in the face of evil. The setting also plays a significant role in showing the true meaning of this story; which takes place in a dark forest near the small town of Salem. Salem is a city where the famous Salem Witch trials take place, and at night, people are considered devil worshipers during this era. There is no doubt that Hawthorne already knows this place very well, and this is the main reason he makes this place his setting for the plot. For years and years now, forests have represented danger and darkness. They are black everywhere and there is always something that is waiting to attack; even Goodman Brown presents his fear when he walks through the woods at night and talks to himself: There may be a devilish Indian behind every tree. What if the devil himself should be at my very elbow (Hawthorne 1). In fact, he starts meeting people in the forest who are socially and religiously great people. Particularly Goody Cloyse who is a teacher of the catechism. Catechism is a schooling of the Bible in th e Christian religion. Meting these â€Å"good† people in the forest, which is the last place he would expect them to be, is an example of irony because these people turn out to be Satan worshiper’sShow MoreRelated Nathaniel Hawthornes Young Goodman Browns Apocalypse Essay1006 Words   |  5 PagesNathaniel Hawthornes Young Goodman Browns Apocalypse      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Most criticism and reflection of Nathaniel Hawthornes Young Goodman Brown centers on a good versus evil theme. 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