Student Question

Where is "Young Goodman Brown" set?

Quick answer:

"Young Goodman Brown" is set in three related locations: the village of Salem during colonial times, the surrounding woods, and a dream or vision state that Goodman Brown experiences as he travels. The story begins in Salem, transitions to the ominous woods, and culminates in a surreal encounter that blurs reality and imagination.

Expert Answers

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There are three related settings for "Young Goodman Brown."

The story starts in the village of Salem, during colonial times. Goodman Brown leaves the village and walks out into the woods. The woods, and the path through it, become the second setting. As he follows this path, he encounters a number of other people/figures, and he passes into a kind of dream or vision state. Depending on how you qualify that, it could be your third setting.

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