The ambiguity of whether Goodman Brown's experience is a dream or reality is central to the story's theme. Hawthorne leaves it unclear to explore the blurred lines between illusion and reality, reflecting philosophical influences of the time. Regardless of whether the event was real or imagined, Brown's perception of inherent human evil profoundly changes him, illustrating the destructive power of doubt and disillusionment. This ambiguity adds depth and allows for multiple interpretations of human nature and morality.

Goodman's dying hour is filled with despair because his experience in the forest leaves him deeply suspicious and disillusioned. Unable to discern whether his vision of sinfulness was real or a dream, he loses trust in everyone, including his wife, Faith. This pervasive distrust isolates him, preventing him from recognizing the dual nature of humanity. Consequently, he leads a gloomy, hopeless life, culminating in a death devoid of any hopeful legacy or epitaph.

Faith functions as more of an idea than person in this story. Each time Brown is explicitly tempted, he cites Faith as his reason for resistance. At the first such occurrence, he won't even entertain the notion: "Well, then, to end the matter at once," said Goodman Brown, considerably nettled, "there is my wife, Faith. It would break her dear little heart; and I'd rather break my own!" His responses follow suit when he is subsequently tempted. This explains his devastation when he believes he sees Faith at the devilish convert ceremony, as well as why he views her differently afterward.

In the beginning, Brown is a devout Puritan who goes to church and believes in his fellow man. In short, he is an idealistic man who trusts in the goodness of life. During his trip into the forest, he meets many people who are outcasts from society (outlaws) and discovers their evil nature and his own shortcomings as a human being. He returns to Salem disillusioned and no longer trusts in humanity or God.

Goodman Brown begins to doubt heaven's existence after witnessing respected religious figures and community leaders in league with the Devil. His faith is shaken further when he sees his minister and Deacon Gookin heading to a satanic gathering, discussing a young woman joining their communion. This revelation, combined with his spiritual despair and the symbolic darkening of the sky, leads him to question the reality of God and heaven, feeling the world is lost to sin.

Goodman Brown is a young Puritan, who lives with his wife Faith. One night, a man named the Devil appears to Goodman Brown and tries to tempt him into joining him in the forest. The next morning, Goodman Brown tells his wife that he is going hunting. Instead of going hunting, he goes into the forest where he encounters a group of men, including members of his own congregation, who appear to be worshipping some kind of idol or demon. They then proceed to attack Goodman Brown and drag him off into the woods; however, he escapes when he bumps into someone else entering the woods who asks what they are doing. Brown returns home and finds that Faith has gone on a journey without telling him.

In "Young Goodman Brown," Goodman Brown loses faith not only in God but in the goodness of humanity. His journey into the forest reveals the perceived hypocrisy and sinfulness of his fellow villagers, including his wife, Faith. This experience leads him to despair, as he loses belief in the possibility of salvation and views everyone as lost in sin. Ultimately, Brown's faith in the moral integrity of his community and religious conviction is shattered.

Goodman Brown becomes cynical due to a crisis of faith triggered by witnessing, or believing he witnesses, the hypocrisy and sinfulness of the people he once trusted. During his journey in the forest, he sees respected figures, including his wife and grandfather, involved in diabolical acts. Whether these events were real or imagined, the experience shatters his belief in the inherent goodness of people, leaving him unable to see the world without cynicism.

Religion plays a pivotal role in Goodman Brown's life, initially serving as a source of trust and guidance. Before his "dream," he is a devout Christian, relying on his faith and the perceived piety of others. During the dream, he struggles to hold onto his beliefs, seeking divine intervention. However, after the dream, Goodman Brown becomes disillusioned and cynical, losing trust in both the sincerity of religious believers and God, resulting in a life of skepticism.

Upon his return to Salem, Goodman Brown becomes distrustful and cynical towards his wife, Faith, and the other townspeople. He believes they are all hypocrites engaged in secret sin, which leads him to live a life of gloom and suspicion.