Romanticism In Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown

Romanticism demonstrated a new vision of artists and writers. Fascinating new principles were used in these works, making the pieces more modern, intriguing, and ambiguous. The Romantic characteristics: Interest in the Common Man, Celebration of the Individual, Strong Feelings, Senses and Emotions, Awe of Nature, the Supernatural Realm, and Importance of Imagination, are open to different perceptions by everyone. Nathaniel Hawthorne utilized a variety of these characteristics in his short story, “Young Goodman Brown.” He emphasized Interest in the Common Man, Awe of Nature, and the Supernatural Realm. Thus, Romanticism played with ideals of real and not real, creating a new perspective in writing. Interest in the Common Man is representative

The Romantic characteristic known as Awe of Nature is the amazement people feel from nature based on certain details and qualities it posses. “Young Goodman Brown” is based on Awe of Nature, as it is centered around Goodman Brown in a dark forest. It creates a darker, more gloomy tone and mood for the entire

The “haunted forest” (Hawthorne 39), in which Goodman Brown was in, emitted fear and was frightening to Goodman Brown. When he made the decision to venture into the meeting of the devil worshippers, the Supernatural Realm expanded itself into various forms. It continues with the ideas of the spooky forest and the witches, but it added new features, as well. “And there they stood, the only pair, as it seemed, who were yet hesitating on the verge of wickedness in this dark world. A basin was hollowed, naturally, in the rock. Did it contain water, reddened by the lurid light? or was it blood? or, perchance, a liquid flamer” (Hawthorne 42-43)? The ambiguity of the substance in the basin was supernatural because it adds to the frightening element of scare. Although it be mere water lit up, the audience is led to believe it is blood. The Supernatural Realm crisply defines Romanticism because it was such a significant change in literature. “Young Goodman Brown” is a perfect example of this. It takes on a medley of forms that are mysterious and