Loss Of Innocence In Young Goodman Brown

In “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author transitions Goodman Brown from innocent to experienced. Through Brown’s journey throughout the story, he is able to experience the corruptibility in the society that he is living in. Brown’s assumptions that everyone’s religious beliefs are the same as his, are challenged throughout the book. This is clearly seen by the reader throughout. Young Goodman Brown’s innocence is also challenged and lost by his experience throughout his journey in the woods. Brown’s experience leads him to learn that the people of his village, including himself, cannot resist the devil. Before Brown’s journey into the woods, he believes that his wife Faith has the same morals and religious views as him. “She’s a blessed angel on …show more content…
Perhaps this is the beginning of the end to his innocence. Receiving more information on the people of his village such as the deacons, “The deacons of many a church have drunk communion wine with me” (pg.81); leads Brown to question the faith of his own people. While cautiously continuing, and seeing Goody Cloyse, he doesn’t want to be seen with a man who may resemble something immoral. When Goody and the man begin to converse, Brown is able to see the man be identified as the devil, and Goody Clause a witch. The devil goes on to say, “That old woman taught me my catechism” (pg. 83). Connecting the two, Brown is confused and in disbelief. After refusing to move forward and taking the devil’s staff, Brown listens to Deacon Gookin and the minister talk. From this, Goodman Brown continued to learn that they have also submitted to the devil. When Brown realizes that his own faith is gone, he submits to the devil. When continuing on the path towards this ceremony, this is when Brown’s innocence turns into his understanding of what the people around him; and what he may believe in, which is the devil. Brown’s failure to leave the forest lead him to experience what