Religion In Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown

Through his changing view of his wife and townspeople, Goodman Brown recognizes his concept of religion to be a facade. On departure, he knows his leaving home upsets Faith and that such an act should leave him guilty. Glancing behind at his wife, he sees her peering back at him from the house- her pink hair ribbons (of innocence) in contrast with her now gloomy face, “‘Poor little Faith!’ thought he, for his heart smote him. ‘What a wretch am I, to leave her on such an errand!”’ (Hawthorne 1). His guilt appears to be somehow unavoidable and he must leave. He later assures himself of his plan to return to her after the night is done. With his plan, he justifies the departure, yet Hawthorne writes this acknowledging some kind of burden to Brown …show more content…
He continues, “My father never went into the woods on such an errand, nor his father before him. We have been a race of honest men and good Christians, since the days of the martyrs’” (Hawthorne 2). Hawthorne again alludes to the aspect of influence, now specifically family. Goodman Brown unquestionably believes in the goodness, the pureness of the recognized devout. The Devil points out that many of Goodman Brown’s Family members as well as respected townspeople had become acquainted with him (evil) in the past. Brown first refutes his claims, but as the Devil continues with confidence, he begins to question the true character of some. Nonetheless, he continues to worry that if he stays in company with the man, confronting his minister would prove shameful. The Devil’s return of laughter irks Brown. Goodman Brown’s response at this moment marks a turning point for him. If he still had no doubts to whether the ‘faithful’ were completely good, the reaction would be one of confusion (or to ignore the snickers