Symbols In Young Goodman Brown

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s, “Young Goodman Brown” Hawthorne uses conventional symbols throughout his story. Hawthorne uses these types of symbols with the main characters Young Goodman Brown and Faith in his story, “Young Goodman Brown.” Hawthorne also alludes to Christianity, the Devil and Sin which are examples Hawthorne references for the setting of his short story.
The name of the main character, Young Goodman Brown is an example of symbolism. The puritan name of “Goodman” symbolises that indeed that he was a good man, staying true to his morals. This refers to his Christian faith being part of the Puritan times in Salem Massachusetts. In the beginning of the story the main character is called Young Goodman Brown. Once Young Goodman Brown leaves Faith he ventures on into a “dreary road, darkened by all the gloomiest trees of the forest.” (Hawthorne) Young Goodman Brown is no longer “young” he is no
In Puritan times the woods were thought to be an evil place where witchcraft was to be held. This concept is reinforced when Goodman Brown sees people in the town in the forest, “he pointed his staff at a female figure on the path in which Goodman Brown recognized a very pious and exemplary dame.” (Hawthorne) Goodman Brown also meets a stranger who has, “staff which bore the likeness of a great black snake.” (Hawthorne). This stranger resembles the devil. Goodman Brown tells this stranger once he is first greeted with him, “Faith kept me back a while.” This ties back to the point where Goodman Brown was second guessing his choice to go into the forest of not. Nevertheless, Goodman Brown decides to go into the forest.
The story of, “Young Goodman Brown” is full of symbolism. This story has many references of the Christian life and the theme of goodness vs. evil with the characters, and the setting which are highlighted throughout the