In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “Young Goodman Brown,” the author uses a clandestine passage into the forest and decisiveness about the values that draw the audience into the story. The reader is prompted to consider the symbolism of the sorcery, spirituality and the dual lives of the characters. Hawthorne demonstrates that a strong foundation in faith can waiver under the lure of what the lateral side of his or her faith holds in retrospect. The expression “The grass is always greener on the other side” is a prime example of what Hawthorne is exploring with his characters. Though the faith can seem strong, it is always susceptible to doubts, which can be a lure to the dark side. As Goodman Brown enters the forest, he has a strong faith and sometimes during his flight into the unknown, he tries to be unwavering in his convictions. The parallel of his wife’s name, Faith, and his testing of his own faith is a continuous thread through the …show more content…
Goodman Brown sees that these people are going to the same meeting as he is and though outwardly in society they are spotless in their appearance, the truth is they are sinners just as Goodman Brown is. The forest represents what is done in secret, is cloaked in darkness so society will not see what an unrighteous person they are. Goodman Brown recognizes from afar Goody Cloyse. Hawthorne describes Goody Goodman Brown cannot accept as true Goody Cloyse being out in the dark forest for the same purpose as he, because she had taught him his catechism. Although Goodman Brown attempts to keep his foundation in his faith unfortunately when he sees the town minister and Deacon Gookin, his faith is deteriorated as described Because of this revelation, his own faith starts to weaken although he still tries to profess his faith it is a feeble