Young Goodman Brown

"Young Goodman Brown"
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Summary:
Young Goodman Brown bid farewell with his wife and ventured into the forest against her will. As he wondered though the dreary path into the forest, an elderly man appeared and accompanied him. The traveler resembled Young Goodman Brown and carried a snake-like staff. Goodman Brown felt uncomfortable executing such evil purpose against his family's honorable reputation and suggested to return home. The elder dissuaded Goodman Brown, revealing that the members of the Goodman's family were his acquaintances. The Goodman again worried about his wife and wanted to resist evil for her sake. The old traveler promised not to harm Faith. As the two advanced into the forest, Goody Cloyse appeared. Goodman …show more content…
Driven by conscience, Goodman halted in the path and refused to advance any farther. The elder left the Goodman with his staff and disappeared. Just as the Goodman congratulates himself for resisting temptation, he over heard revered minister and Deacon Gookin on their way to the wicked congregation. Surprised and agitated, Young Goodman Brown determined to stand firm against evil. Just then, the desperate pleading of Faith resonated from above followed by a thrilling scream. Convinced that his Faith is gone, Goodman Brown finally yielded to the invitation of the devil. At the blasphemous communion, the Goodman witnessed people from all ranks of his society worshiping the fiend. He and Faith was brought to the alter to be marked by wickedness. At last, Young Goodman Brown pleaded his wife to resist evil. He woke up in the forest and returned home. Since that experience, the Goodman viewed every person as …show more content…
74)"A stern, a sad, a darkly meditative, a distrustful, if not a desperate man did he become from the night of that fearful dream. " (direct characterization)

The old man(antagonist, static, flat) :
The old. traveler is a representation of Satan, the epitome of evil, deception, and destruction. In the story he was the antagonist, reveals himself in the image of young Goodman Brown's father, trying to lead Young Goodman Brown astray. He revealed to the Goodman the hypocritical nature of his role attempt to destroy his faith and resolution. As the antagonist, the devil remain unchanged throughout the plot. Direct characterization : (Pg 311, paragraph. 13). "As nearly as could be discerned, the second traveller was about fifty years old, apparently in the same rank of life as Goodman Brown, and bearing a considerable resemblance to him, though perhaps more in expression than features. " Indirect characterization.
(Pg 311, paragraph. 13). "he had an indescribable air of one who knew the world, and who would not have felt abashed at the governor's dinner table or in King William's court, were it possible that his affairs should call him thither."

Conflict:
Man vs. Self: Young Goodman Brown vs. Himself
Man vs. Man: Young Goodman Brown vs. the traveler, Young Goodman Brown vs.

Show More