From the beginning of time there has been sin and corruption, a carnal being within every man. It is first evident in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 3, when Eve is tempted by the snake, and then even more so when the murderous act of Cain is revealed in Genesis 4 (KJV). Then in Genesis 6:12 scripture tells us that “God looked upon the earth and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth” (KJV). Consequently, the pull that seems to be within humankind, offers a base for the works of writers such as Nathaniel Hawthorne’s, “Young Goodman Brown” and Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery.” In considering the theme, the idea evident in literary writings, upon which Hawthorne based his piece, one may find themselves seeing
…show more content…
First consider that “The Lottery” concentrates on traditions in which the focus and depth had “been lost long ago” (Jackson, 1948, p. 222). An act that without good reason continues on for the sake of customs, while other’s “already quit lotteries” (Jackson, 1948, p. 224). Yet, they carry on this senseless act of a random pull that results in death, again disclosing that the thoughtless following of leaders gives way to corrupted, sinful acts. Whereas, in “Young Goodman Brown,” the focus is on spiritual followings, which seem to have been built upon other people’s faith, as Brown states, “I’ll cling to her skirts and follow her to heaven” (Hawthorne, 1845, p. 188). Consequently, with the realization of shortcomings in those he looks upon as holy, Brown will find his faith weakened, “My faith is gone!” he cried (Hawthorne, 1845, p. 193). Faith that is built upon another leads mankind to the destructive path of the carnal being, the fleshly, sinful spirit born …show more content…
15). Foreshadowing is evident in the words of Faith in “Young Goodman Brown,” as she expresses that she is “troubled with such dreams and such thoughts,” which give insight to the corrupted being within her, yet it also foretells of the end revelation that it is all but a dream (Hawthorne, 1835, p. 188). Then as Brown is departing she says “may you find all well, when you come back,” which gives way to an indication of an outcome that all shall not be well when he returns, that corruption will overcome the weak (Hawthorne, 1835, p. 188). As Goodman begins his journey into the wood, he says, “What if the devil himself should be at my very elbow,” which sets an expectancy to soon meet him (Hawthorne, 1835, p. 188). And thus continues the foreshadowing, as it seems no sooner than he doth think of someone whom he wishes to not displease, they too will appear to hold relationship with the Devil himself, as they too have given over control to the pull of sin (Hawthorne, 1835, pp.
First consider that “The Lottery” concentrates on traditions in which the focus and depth had “been lost long ago” (Jackson, 1948, p. 222). An act that without good reason continues on for the sake of customs, while other’s “already quit lotteries” (Jackson, 1948, p. 224). Yet, they carry on this senseless act of a random pull that results in death, again disclosing that the thoughtless following of leaders gives way to corrupted, sinful acts. Whereas, in “Young Goodman Brown,” the focus is on spiritual followings, which seem to have been built upon other people’s faith, as Brown states, “I’ll cling to her skirts and follow her to heaven” (Hawthorne, 1845, p. 188). Consequently, with the realization of shortcomings in those he looks upon as holy, Brown will find his faith weakened, “My faith is gone!” he cried (Hawthorne, 1845, p. 193). Faith that is built upon another leads mankind to the destructive path of the carnal being, the fleshly, sinful spirit born …show more content…
15). Foreshadowing is evident in the words of Faith in “Young Goodman Brown,” as she expresses that she is “troubled with such dreams and such thoughts,” which give insight to the corrupted being within her, yet it also foretells of the end revelation that it is all but a dream (Hawthorne, 1835, p. 188). Then as Brown is departing she says “may you find all well, when you come back,” which gives way to an indication of an outcome that all shall not be well when he returns, that corruption will overcome the weak (Hawthorne, 1835, p. 188). As Goodman begins his journey into the wood, he says, “What if the devil himself should be at my very elbow,” which sets an expectancy to soon meet him (Hawthorne, 1835, p. 188). And thus continues the foreshadowing, as it seems no sooner than he doth think of someone whom he wishes to not displease, they too will appear to hold relationship with the Devil himself, as they too have given over control to the pull of sin (Hawthorne, 1835, pp.