Ambiguity In Goodman Brown

872 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Critical commentary on young goodman brown

American Literature
Hawthorne essay
Tony Rupena
December17, 2013
Signs of Ambiguity
Everyone goes through ambiguity in their life; Goodman Brown is an amazing example of how people go through it. You have to care about this because everyone gets lost, does bad things, and loses faith like Goodman Brown in this story. This passage will make you think about everything you think is the truth. The decisions you make and the things you think are influenced by ambiguity. Goodman Brown thinks he sees his life clearly and thinks his wife is what she is. As the story goes on, he thinks differently of her and everything else. Browns decisions are what cause him to think differently. Ambiguity has caused Goodman Brown to think differently and make the decisions he has chosen.
Goodman is very certain of his wife, what she likes and what she loves. He thinks the world of faith, Goodman Brown says, “What, my sweet, pretty wife, dost thou doubt me already, and we but three months married!” (Hawthorne 1). He has only been with his faith for 3 months and he thinks highly of her. When Goodman had to leave, his wife was worried, the narrator says, “he looked back and saw the head of Faith still peeping after him, with a melancholy air, in spite of her pink ribbons” (Hawthorne 1). She didn’t want him to leave and this makes Goodman think she loves and cares about him. Brown loves her and believes she loves him, Goodman Brown says, “Well; she’s a blessed angel on earth; and after this one night, I’ll cling to her skirts and follow her to Heaven” (Hawthorne 1). Brown will be with his wife forever he thinks, because he thinks he is in love with a faithful woman. His life, his wife, his family – all of these are thought to be seen clearly by Goodman Br...

... middle of paper ...

...man sees clearly now, he does not trust his wife at all and thinks she’s a “witch”. The decision Goodman made changed his outlook on everything.
The thought of Goodman Brown and his decision were influenced by ambiguity. Goodman went into the forest thinking everything he had was true; he thought his life was all clear to him. He saw nothing clearly, he realized his father’s weren’t who he thought, he realized who his wife really was - as he traveled through the forest his view changed. When Goodman came out he saw everything in a different view, a view of evil. You should care about all of this because we have gone through this. We have all thought highly of something before undergoing a challenge. Once we get through the challenge our view on things are completely different. Goodman Brown is a great example of how ambiguity influences your thinking and decisions.

Show More
Related

  • Analysis Of The Secret Sin In 'Young Goodman Brown'

    869 Words  | 2 Pages

    In “The Minister’s Black Veil”, Mr. Hooper’s wife begs him to take off the veil but to no avail. The secret sins symbolized by the black veil, he wears will not go away on earth so in turn he refuses to take it off. As a result, his wife leaves him. In “Young Goodman Brown”, Goodman Brown leaves his wife, Faith, at night. Goodman Brown is leaving because he wants to commit an evil deed in the night. In the gloomy and evil night, Faith describes herself as “A lone woman is troubled with such dreams and such thoughts that she’s afeard of herself sometimes” (36). His wife is a symbol of Goodman Brown’s faith which waivers because of his secret sin. Also pertaining to Faith, Goodman Brown discovers his wife was worshipping the devil. Their relationship suffers as a result. The author describes,“Often walking suddenly at midnight, he shrank from the bosom of Faith”(45). Goodman Brown is not able to see his wife in the same light because he is afraid of her secret sin. He ends up dying as an alone and downcast

    Read More

  • Reality and Experience in Young Goodman Brown

    989 Words  | 2 Pages

    To begin, the introduction to Goodman Brown begins with introducing characters that seem to exemplify youthfulness, earnestness, and innocence. Interactions between Goodman and Faith, such as the "parting kiss" (Hawthorne 239), and even the description of Faith, whose cap contains pink ribbons that the wind plays with contains a sense of whimsy and playfulness that sets the reader up thinking of the young couple in positive terms. However, Goodman changes this quickly with his discussion of leaving, as well as his parting. At this point, we see the conflict within the characterization of Goodman Brown emerge, referring to himself as "a wretch...to leave her on such an errand" (239), a contrast to the initial idea presented of him. This is the beginning of what interested me so much, as the appearance of Goodman Brown was presented ambiguously and painted to be "good" by his interactions with Faith, who was described in a bit more detail.

    Read More

  • The Hero's Journey in Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown

    1235 Words  | 3 Pages

    The struggle going on inside of Goodman Brown's head is really between remaining innocent and having blind faith i...

    Read More

  • Young Goodman Brown Analysis

    772 Words  | 2 Pages

    Hawthorne skillfully uses Goodman Brown’s wife’s name, Faith, as a symbol of Goodman Brown’s strong faith when Brown’s reassuring response to Faith imply that his faith cannot be weakened: “Amen!’ cried Goodman Brown, “Say thy prayers, dear Faith, and go to bed at dusk, and no harm will come to thee” (Hawthorne 22). Brown leaves Faith; whom he describes as a “blessed angel on earth,” and journeys to the forest (Hawthorne 22). Taking the dark, dreary road into the forest symbolizes his act of jumping into the path leading to despair. The forest represents sin, and the evil grows stronger and stronger as Goodman walks further into the

    Read More

  • Ambiguity and Uncertainty in Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown

    1518 Words  | 4 Pages

    In "Young Goodman Brown," Nathaniel Hawthorne, through the use of deceptive imagery, creates a sense of uncertainty that illuminates the theme of man's inability to operate within a framework of moral absolutism.  Within every man there is an innate difference between good and evil and Hawthorne's deliberate use of ambiguity mirrors this complexity of human nature. Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown, is misled by believing in the perfectibility of humanity and in the existence of moral absolutes. According to Nancy Bunge, Hawthorne naturally centers his story upon a Puritan protagonist to convey the "self-righteous" that he regards as the "antithesis of wisdom"(4). Consequently, Young Goodman Brown is unable to accept the indefinable vision of betrayal and evil that he encounters in the forest. The uncertainty of this vision, enhanced by Hawthorne's deliberate, yet effective, use of ambiguity, is also seen in the character of Faith, the shadows and darkness of the forest, and the undetectable boundaries that separate nightmarish dreams from reality.

    Read More

  • Loss Of Innocence In Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown

    912 Words  | 2 Pages

    Taking this path that closes behind him represents Young Goodman’s decent into the unconscious and his loss of innocence. On this journey he soon meets a man who is a condensation of several different factors. The man represents the devil, as well as Brown unconscious

    Read More

  • The Influence of Society on the Young Goodman Brown

    1534 Words  | 4 Pages

    From the beginning of Hawthorne’s story a test of faith prevails. From the moment that Young Goodman Brown parts with his wife, Faith, to when they meet again at the heart of the forest, the very manner Young Goodman Brown has been taught his entire life is at stake. Yet it is not so much Goodman Brown’s faith in God that is the concern but whether or not Goodman Brown feels he can trust anyone or anything he has ever come to know and believe in. Society has preconditioned him to think a certain way, thus through this journey Young Goodman Brown cannot deal with the new Puritan life he witnesses. Since he is unsure of what his society is truly like Goodman Brown is now incapable of knowing his place in society and knowing whom he really is.

    Read More

  • Young Goodman Brown: Attack On Puritanism

    1913 Words  | 4 Pages

    It is surprising, in a way, to discover how few of the many critics who have discussed "Young Goodman Brown'' agree on any aspect of the work except that it is an excellent short story. D. M. McKeithan says that its theme is "sin and its blighting effects." Richard H. Fogle observes, "Hawthorne the artist refuses to limit himself to a single and doctrinaire conclusion, proceeding instead by indirection,'' implying, presumably, that it is inartistic to say something which can be clearly understood by the readers. Gordon and Tate assert, "Hawthorne is dealing with his favorite theme: the unhappiness which the human heart suffers as a result of its innate depravity." Austin Warren says, ''His point is the devastating effect of moral scepticism." Almost all critics agree, however, that Young Goodman Brown lost his faith. Their conclusions are based, perhaps, upon the statement, "My Faith is gone!" made by Brown when he recognizes his wife's voice and ribbon. I should like to examine the story once more to show that Young Goodman Brown did not lose his faith at all. In fact, not only did he retain his faith, but during his horrible experience he actually discovered the full and frightening significance of his faith.

    Read More

  • Young Goodman Brown VS. Paul

    1039 Words  | 3 Pages

    When he goes into the forest, he believes he is talking to the devil and looks much like his grandfather. The devil is feeding him bad thoughts about everyone he knows, even his own father and his wife, Faith. Next, I believe that Goodman Brown has had a rough past and in order for him to overcome this within himself, he must search for attention. This attention may not be needed from his wife or community members, I believe it is needed from him. He is feeling overwhelmed with obligations from his wife and peers, and he has no time to decide whether this type of life is right for him.

    Read More

  • Faith in Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown

    1120 Words  | 3 Pages

    The names of the characters Young Goodman Brown and his wife Faith are both symbolic. “Young" infers the title character is naive and new at life. Brown’s youth suggests that he is an uncorrupted and innocent young man. Moreover, "Goodman" suggests his self-righteousness thinking he is a good man. Furthermore, "Brown" indicates he is a commoner. Thus, the full name implies he is the average naive and self-righteous Puritan. Faith’s name in the story represents his need to cling to faith. She symbolizes everything that is good and Christian to Goodman Brown. Brown’s marriage to Faith is symbolic of how he clings to faith in good in the world.

    Read More

  • Young Goodman Brown: Good vs Evil

    684 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story "Young Goodman Brown,” the author uses danger and mystery to represent the struggle of good versus evil. Young Goodman Brown journeys into the night and comes to realize an unforgiving truth. Everyone is in danger of abandoning their faith or is inherently evil. Nathaniel Hawthorne has filled this story symbolism, after reading this story the reader may have questions about Young Goodman Browns’ determination to journey towards his evil purpose. Nathaniel Hawthorne implies strong faith can endure but when that faith is destroyed, what view does a person have towards mankind? Let us take a look at Nathaniel Hawthorne’s use of significant symbols throughout “Young Goodman Brown.”

    Read More

  • Good Vs. Evil in Nathaniel Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown

    680 Words  | 2 Pages

    Unfortunately, Goodman Brown truly has lost his faith. Though his wife appears unchanged and wishes to welcome him with open, loving arms Brown rejects her. The reader is left slightly confused as to why, but perhaps Brown has given up hope that good can win over the enormous amount of sin or evil out there. He is unable to accept Faith now that he is forced to see her in her unclean or imperfect state. Brown can no longer see the good for the evil surrounding him, and has lost all hope. Although Brown tried to resist the devil, in the end he failed in his journey of exploring evil and returning to the side of good.

    Read More

  • The Journey of Young Goodman Brown

    629 Words  | 2 Pages

    Goodman Brown, a young man who was only married for three months, left his home and his wife, Faith, to go into the forest and spend the night on some mission that he will not explain. Even though Faith has strong feelings about his journey and begs him not to leave, Brown has made his decision and leaves everything behind. Faith is appropriately named, because she represents Browns faith and what he believes in. The name is genuine, religious and hopeful. It represents the good side of Brown and his hope for life. He feels bad for leaving her because he knows what he is about to do is evil and goes against his faith. Brown swears that after this night he will be good and not do anything evil again and vow his life to Faith. Brown is upset about leaving her because he knows that what he is about to do in the forest is evil and goes against his Faith. Hawthorne describes Browns journey as "crossing the threshold", meaning that he is going from one part of his life to another, he is leaving the genuine good side to go to the bad evil side.

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Rip Van Winkkle And Rip Van Winkle

    1177 Words  | 3 Pages

    Goodman Brown heads into the forest for an undetermined journey. Which is assumed that he is going out to do one last act of sin then come back and stay faithful to his wife Faith. Goodman Brown 's wife Faith is a symbol for his religious faith. Before his voyage he is held up by Faith. " 'pr 'y thee, put off your journey until sunrise, and sleep in your own bed to-night. A lone women is troubled with such dreams and such thoughts, that she 's afeard of herself, sometimes. Pray, tarry with me this night, dear husband, of all nights in the year!" ' (Hawthorne ). Goodman Brown goes on his journey in the woods and when he talks to the man that he comes across in the forest he says that he knows Goodman Brown 's family. " 'Well said, Goodman Brown! I have been as wee acquainted with your family as with ever a one among the Puritans; and that 's no trifle to say. I helped your grandfather, the constable, when he lashed the Quaker women so smartly through the streets of Salem. And it was I that brought your father a pitch-pine knot, kindled at my own hearth, to set fire to an Indian village, In King Philip 's War. They were my good friends, both; and many a pleasant walk have we had along this path, and returned merrily after midnight. I would fain be friends with you, for their sake. '" (Hawthorne ). Goodman Brown then begins to see all of the

    Read More

  • Psychological Analysis of Young Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne

    1502 Words  | 4 Pages

    One of the questions that one might ask is whether the experience of Goodman Brown was merely a dream or a reality. I would say that that is only a dream, based on the clues found in the text. At the first part, the scene when the couple parted, Goodman Brown said, “…she talks of dreams, too…” This means that he has been experiencing dreams that bother him. And the narrative is but one of those. It tells us how powerful dreams are, or more specifically, how powerful our unconscious and subconscious minds are. The unconscious mind is where bad memories are repressed, while the conscious mind is where good experiences and memories are expressed. The subconscious mind links the two. His subconscious mind had been so powerful that it even overcame the conscious mind, and it intruded on Goodman Brown’s conscious mind and therefore affecting his own living and his persona (one’s public self).

    Read More

More about Ambiguity In Goodman Brown

Open Document