Reading Pointers for Sharper Insights

As you read “Young Goodman Brown,” take note of the following:

Theme:

Note how Young Goodman Brown learns that all people are sinners and what happens to him after gaining this knowledge.

Atmosphere:

Hawthorne's use of vocabulary gives “Young Goodman Brown” a strong sense of darkness and gloom.

Symbols:

• Forest – a place of evil or temptation

• Faith – both Brown's wife, who is pure and sweet, and his religious faith

• Young Goodman – an implication of naïveté, piety, goodness, and righteousness.

• Pink ribbon – child-like innocence and femininity

Unique Elements in Hawthorne's Story:

• Hawthorne uses religious language that eventually leads to the Devil's meeting (catechism, covenant, ecclesiastical council, hymn, congregation, converts, altar, etc.).

• The story itself implies that his narrative might be a dream. Whether Young Goodman Brown actually goes into the forest or dreams he does, the effect is the same.

• During the journey, Goodman Brown gradually loses his innocence by gaining the knowledge that all mankind is sinful, which destroys the rest of his life.