Young Goodman Brown Group

Question:

fannies
fannies

What is the symbolism of the forest?

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Posted by fannies on Thursday March 22, 2007 at 8:26 AM and tagged with symbolism, young goodman brown.

Answers:


  1. brandih

    eNotes Editor

    The woods are the physical location in which Brown explores his doubts and opposing desires, and as such represent his personal hell. Although Brown eventually leaves the physical location of the woods, mentally he stays there for the rest of his life.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/young-goodman/6140

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    Posted by brandih on Thursday March 22, 2007 at 8:50 AM

  2. kevinkirk
    kevinkirk Teacher

    eNotes Editor

    The forest setting and the path become increasingly symbolic with details such as " the dark wall of forest, an altar like rock, blazing pines, the strange sinful hymn with all of this bathed in red light. It would seem to be Brown's preoccupation with sin.

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    Posted by kevinkirk on Friday March 23, 2007 at 9:53 AM


  3. timbrady Teacher
    College - Senior

    eNotes Editor

    In early American Literature, the forest is the home of the strange and threatening (Indians) and is also viewed as the home of the devil (there was probably some relationship to the Indians in their minds). It was the perfect setting for the trip that Brown (may) have made that night.

    For a good comparison with the use of the forest, read "The Devil and Tom Walker."

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    Posted by timbrady on Friday March 23, 2007 at 7:43 PM

  4. enhiii
    enhiii Student
    College - Freshman

    Symbolism is amazing in many ways, and so is this forest. I believe the forest was in many ways an evil place. This place didn't have to be evil but was. Many argue that this is Browns own mind, and he dwells deeper into madness. The forest is also on a dark path, so he is questioning his own religion, love for faith, and his beliefs on society in general. The most fascinating part about the forest to me is that it closes behind him. This is the point of no return, where he first doomed himself by willing to admit he is unsure of the world and his surroundings. This also is a symbol declaring that he may not return to his own faith, because his mind wont let him. He has lost sanity if you well. The forest is full of evil, and ancient puritan beliefs which is a great basis for the story in questioning dream or reality.

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    Posted by enhiii on Wednesday January 16, 2008 at 8:13 PM

  5. enhiii
    enhiii Student
    College - Freshman

    Symbolism is amazing in many ways, and so is this forest. I believe the forest was in many ways an evil place. This place didn't have to be evil but was. Many argue that this is Browns own mind, and he dwells deeper into madness. The forest is also on a dark path, so he is questioning his own religion, love for faith, and his beliefs on society in general. The most fascinating part about the forest to me is that it closes behind him. This is the point of no return, where he first doomed himself by willing to admit he is unsure of the world and his surroundings. This also is a symbol declaring that he may not return to his own faith, because his mind wont let him. He has lost sanity if you well. The forest is full of evil, and ancient puritan beliefs which is a great basis for the story in questioning dream or reality. Oh, and if your really into the bible you could go as far as saying this is like the Garden of Eden. The tree holds forsaken fruit, but in this case it is a question of religion in general. There are too many symbols that could influence discussion about the forest.

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    Posted by enhiii on Wednesday January 16, 2008 at 8:17 PM