Young Goodman Brown

The story of Young Goodman Brown is an individual’s coming-of-age story. The main character, Goodman Brown, departs from his native Salem village for a life-changing journey through the dark and mysterious forest for some “evil purpose,” which the author never disclosed. Hawthorne describes the forest as “unseen multitude” and “the dark wilderness” which is a symbol for the world that lays beyond the comfort zone, the society that corrupts people and makes them lose their faith in humanity. On his way, Goodman Brown meets some of his fellow villagers, including the old Goody Cloyse who used to catechize him when he was younger, Deacon Gookin and Salem’s minister. All these people were absolute authorities to Goodman back home, but the terrifying and maddening forest experience made him…