Analysis Of Young Goodman Brown

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Final Exam Questions: Nathaniel Hawthorne Through means of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s story, “Young Goodman Brown,” Hawthorne manipulates allegorical dimension in order to lure readers into his writing. He creates doubt and curiosity within the readers’ minds by meshing both the actual and fantasy; furthermore, altering certain truths and consequently creating an imaginary world, which marks the success of Hawthorne’s technique. A definite sense of corruption is seen as Young Goodman Brown converses with the Devil. Hawthorne successfully manipulates the environment within the story to take the form of meaningful symbols, staying true to his influence by the Romantic period. In my opinion the most interesting aspect of the story is when the narrative …show more content…

No matter how minute or immense an object was, it is evident that in this particular story it had a profusion of importance to Hawthorne; clearly Hawthorne anticipated that each symbol would have a great impact for each reader in order for him or her to form their own conclusions of each event. Undoubtedly, through his descriptive writing Hawthorne invites the readers into his fictional world where they will unexpectedly explore multiple interpretations and possible connections among the characters and certain symbolic ambiguities waiting to be discovered within each scene. Additionally, Hawthorne initiates his narration by introducing the awareness of the Forrest, making it an obvious representation. Clearly it represents evil in the world similar to the Puritan’s analogy that the woods are inhabited by the devil; thus Young Goodman Brown’s nocturnal expedition is one full of sin, darkness, and shame. Correspondingly, the most obvious symbol that I noticed as I read this story was the loss of virtuousness. Inadvertently as a result of Hawthorne’s writing the audience is exposed …show more content…

During his journey Young Goodman Brown found himself entangled within a web of moral controversy; this occurrence exposed his and society’s inner struggle with temptation and religious devotion. For the most part Young Goodman Brown found his downfall inevitable because although he chose good, evil seemed to prevail within his surroundings. He later declared, “"My Faith is gone!" cried he, after one stupefied moment. "There is no good on earth; and sin is but a name. Come, devil; for to thee is this world given."” By this point in the story Young Goodman Brown came to the realization that most individuals fail to stay strong and true to their principles. Perhaps after his imaginary veil was removed he mourned pursuing his curiosity instead of living in his previous well-lived fantasy world where mostly everyone appeared to be

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