Good Vs. Evil in Nathaniel Hawthornes Young Goodman Brown...

Good vs. Evil The short story, Young Goodman Brown is a fascinating rendition of the battle between good and evil. The reader must delve into the depths of his/her own beliefs to understand what the symbolism is. Nathaniel Hawthorne writes an entire lesson in life as one big symbol using allegory. The various examples are fruitful and will be presented throughout this essay. First, the main characters name is Goodman Brown. Does this mean something? It seems Nathaniel Hawthorne wished it to be that way. After reading the story, the reader is left with the impression that GOOD-MAN in the focal characters name symbolizes that this will be the good character in the battle between good and evil. Hawthorne begins the†¦show more content†¦This characters symbol is easy to identify. One must keep in mind that the story supposedly takes place in Salem Village, Englands Massachusetts Bay Colony. However, the statement, You are late, Goodman Brown. The clock of the Old South was striking as I came through Boston; and that is full fifteen minutes agone, points to the fact that the old man has traveled all the way from Boston to Salem in a mere fifteen minutes. This implies there is something rather paranormal about this character. The fact that the stranger knew Browns name also adds to the train of clues. This characters symbolism is further esta blished with statements such as the only thing about him, that could be fixed upon as remarkable, was his staff, which bore the likeness of a great black snake...it might almost be seen to twist and wriggle itself, like a living serpent. While the great black snake and serpent are only descriptions of the staff, the words have a deeper meaning and give detail to what the character stands for. The slithering serpent, as referred to in the Bible, symbolizes the sly, sneaky devil. The devil uses his clever persuasion to convince Brown to meet him halfway into the forest. He keeps pulling Brown further and further into the forest, i.e. closer to sin, telling him he may turn back at any time. All the while the devil is describing the sinful doings of the other townsfolk in an attempt to mask theShow MoreRelatedShort Story Analysis: Young Goodman Brown Essay1115 Words   |  5 Pagesbut none more intriguing than Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne’s ability to weave stories through the use of complex language and early puritan society narratives has long been a topic of study amongst scholars and young adults, alike. â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† explores the idea of good vs. evil and draws many parallels to the life of Nathaniel Hawthorne. It is often debated whether man is born innately good or evil. In â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† it is possible to see Hawthorne’s stance on this. However, beforeRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown1492 Words   |  6 PagesIn Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story of Young Goodman Brown, the author uses symbolism and allegories in order to showcase the Puritan faith as well as man’s conflict between good and evil. This analysis will breakdown the techniques that the author uses to critique the puritan society, and to show the difference between how people appear to be in society and the true colors that they are hidden inside of them. There has been a lot of great authors in our time, but none more interesting than NathanielRead MoreYoung Goodman Brown, by Nathaniel Hawthorne865 Words   |  4 Pagesthe good man’s heart, whose owner is walking through the sea of dark with an equally, if not more, serpent-like staff carrying dark companion. This respectable man is Young Goodman Brown, as portrayed in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story â€Å"Young Goodman Brown†. 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Leavis in â€Å"Hawthorne as Poet† mentions Nathaniel Hawthorne’s â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† as â€Å"essentially dramatic† : â€Å"The first batch of works I specified [including â€Å"Young Goodman Brown†] is essentially dramatic, its use of language is poetic, and it is symbolic, and richly so, as is the dramatic poet’s. . . â€Å" (27) This essay will examine this and other features of the structure of Hawthorne’s short story.    Leavis’ evaluation ofRead MoreElements of Fiction in Young Goodman Brown Essays1761 Words   |  8 Pagesof Fiction are Used in Hawthorns Young Goodman Brown Desiree Terry English Composition II 23 February 2012 Outline Introduction Thesis: Hawthorne uses the Elements of fiction in Young Goodman Brown to depict a story of his family’s history and religious background. I Hawthorne uses time periods, location and physical structure settings that all relate to the Purity society and his historical family story. A. The first setting in young Goodman brown was set in Salem village. This is