Young Goodman Brown Group

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norimoto
norimoto

What are some similarities (and differences) between Young Goodman Brown and The Birthmark?

What are you some other intertwined themes between the two short stories?

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Posted by norimoto on Monday February 16, 2009 at 1:28 PM and tagged with similarities with the birthmark, themes, young goodman brown.

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  1. cmcqueeney Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    The main similarity between the two stories is the idealistic protagonists in each.  In The Birthmark, Aylmer arrogantly believes that he has the skill to perfect in his wife what nature had left imperfect.  His idealistic dreams lead to a tragic end, however, when the potion he gives his wife removes her one earthly imperfection, making it impossible for her to remain on earth any longer.

    In Young Goodman Brown, the protagonist has an idealistic view of his religious faith and those who have instructed him in that faith.  He arrogantly meets with the devil in the woods at night, thinking that he is strong enough to toy with evil and walk away unharmed.  When he sees distinguished members of his church congregation heading toward the evil assembly, his faith is shattered.  Like Aylmer, his idealistic pride led to a tragic end.

    The most significant difference between the two stories is one emphasizes science and the other religion (or faith).  The Birthmark deals with science as it was understood during Hawthorne's time period.  Young Goodman Brown is set during the Puritan time period and focuses on their strict religious faith.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/birthmark/themes
    http://www.enotes.com/young-goodman/themes

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    Posted by cmcqueeney on Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 6:07 PM