Symbolism Of Faith In Young Goodman Brown

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Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne introduces the character of “Faith” During the course of the book, Faith is represented as symbol rather than a mere character. Throughout the novel, Hawthorne raised key questions: What does Faith as a character Symbolize? What does double-sided lifestyles of the Puritans actually mean? And Is Goodman brown a Faithful man? The reader must not look at "Young Goodman Brown" as just a melodramatic story but also see the symbolism of Faith which is also presented as a character, whom the author uses. Hawthorne shows that a strong faith is the greatest asset of a man or woman, and when that faith is compromised, the effects can cause someone to be filled with doubt and distrust toward the rest of the world. …show more content…
The puritan double lifestyle goes against their morals, Faith, Culture, and beliefs. The Puritans in the Salem village are so closed minded and strictly associated with their culture, traditions, beliefs and rules, that they see anything against these moral a threat to them. Goodman brown goes in this journey that reveals the truth about the community. At the end of his journey he encounters his whole community in some sort of gathering " “Welcome, my children”, said the dark figure, “to the communion of your race! Ye have found, thus young, your nature and your destiny. My children, look behind you!” ”(1). Only to find out seconds later that they are practicing some type of witchcraft ceremony. “They turned; and flashing forth, as it were, in a sheet of flame, the fiend-worshippers were seen; the smile of welcome gleamed darkly on every visage”(1). this shows us the hypocrisy behind the puritans in salem village, they have their fake image on the outside portraying that they have good faith, they are religious, and they are not swayed to evil. But In the dark they portray their true self. Whether this is a vision or a dream it shows the weakness of the communities faith because Goodman Brown’s vision is a product of his own tortured …show more content…
Goodman Brown shows he has a weak faith before he enters the forest Faith call for him to remain, Brown is determined to go his own way. Most readers see this as Faith being afraid of being alone home alone in the dark, however this is more of a test to Goodman brown 's own faith which he fails. Instead of saying in the light With Faith he goes in the the darkness. As Brown encounters the Old traveller (devil) there is a dark Irony, the devil asks Brown why he is late, Brown replies that "Faith kept me back awhile" (1). The Irony here shows that Goodman brown was a christian man and a christian man 's faith in God is the only thing that keeps the devil from tempting a man.After this Brown makes a rather inefficient attempt to turn away from sin and return to Faith. But the devil urges him onward, however, telling him "We are but a little way in the forest, yet" (1), and convincing him that there will still be the opportunity to turn back after hearing the devil. Brown should remind himself him that even the slightest flirtation with the ungodly life is threatening. But Brown appears to be already in the devil 's

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