Young Goodman Brown

Anna M. Rappa
English 30
Section SUIX
Fall 2008
September 23, 2008


Reaction: We realize that Goodman Brown's journey (either real or in a dream) changes his perception to those close to him and towards those in his community. The character's Goodman and Faith can be seen as symbolic refrences to abstract suggestion. Honesty and faith seems to have been lost as Goodman Brown discovers bitterness and a distain for life after the journey through the forest. He uncovers the evil and wickedness within himself while uncovering the lies in others. The story portrayed conflicts between good and evil within each of us and that we may encounter unexpected surprises that can either benefit or destroy us as life unfolds.

Interpret how the quote, "When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you" relates to Young Goodman Brown.
Goodman Brown loses his sense of confidence in the good of human nature. He discovered a deep distrust and disdain for people which leads him to mirror this disdain within himself as he projects it towards others. The discoveries that we encounter in life can seem like an abyss, reflecting back the same disillusions we have pertaining to ourselves and our roles in life.

Compare Eudora Welty's, A Worn Path to Nathaniel Hawthorne's, Young Goodman Brown.
I find that family is very important to the main characters. There is a path or journey in both short stories which is filled with encounters. The encounters are startling, troublesome and a bit of a nuisance. A sense of community either moral or immoral is also present that interacts with the characters.