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Read the essay young goodman brown below. INSTRUCTIONS: 1. read…
Read the essay young goodman brown below.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. read the essay below and give it a title/ topic that fits the essay
2. Read the pdfs and look for one that fits the topic and claim in your thesis. . Once you identify that article, then
3. Summarize the secondary source material; identify the evidence you will use to support your claims (the pdf and secondary source are found in the link below)
4. write an outline and a thesis after you must have summarized one article from the pdf that fits the essay below.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZPoBYrP6n0bAZI9Mx8hOHHfXByY0HXQO?usp=sharing
You can then paraphrase or identify direct citations that you will use in your paper. You will only use one article for this. If you need to use others to support your claim, you can do so, but just note them in the works cited.
Young Goodman Brown
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s renowned short story, “Young Goodman Brown,” delves into the intricate tapestry of human nature, the eternal conflict between good and evil, and the fragile nature of faith. This critical analysis aims to deconstruct the narrative by analyzing key literary elements such as plot structure, character development, setting, symbolism, and overarching themes, illuminating how these elements collectively convey the central message concerning the innate darkness within humanity and the relentless struggle to uphold faith amidst temptation.
Hawthorne explores the inherent darkness and evil within humanity, and the struggle to maintain faith and resist temptation in the face of this darkness. The story follows Goodman Brown, a devout Puritan, as he sets out into the forest on a dark and stormy night. Along the way, he encounters the devil, who leads him to a witches’ Sabbath. At the Sabbath, Goodman Brown sees many of his fellow townspeople, including his wife, Faith, participating in Satanic rituals. This experience shatters Goodman Brown’s faith in humanity, and he returns home a changed man. The story’s thesis statement is that the inherent darkness and evil within humanity is a constant threat to faith and goodness. This thesis is supported by the following evidence from the story.
Hawthorne’s adept use of plot structure aligns with Joseph Campbell’s monomyth, commonly known as the hero’s journey. As Goodman Brown embarks on a transformative odyssey, readers are drawn into a conventional narrative trajectory. Nevertheless, the tale diverges from expectations in its climactic twist ending. This twist dismantles the clear boundary between reality and illusion, culminating in a perplexing denouement that forces readers to re-evaluate their perception of the events that unfold. (Campbell, 1949)
The plot of the story follows a typical formula of a journey into the unknown, a confrontation with evil, and a return to the ordinary world. However, the story’s twist ending sets it apart from other stories that follow this formula. In the end, Goodman Brown does not return to the ordinary world unchanged. He has seen the evil that exists within humanity, and he can never again believe that the world is a safe and innocent place.
Character: Goodman Brown serves as the fulcrum of this exploration, embodying the tension between external confrontation and internal turmoil. His external struggle against the revelation of his townspeople’s concealed proclivities mirrors his internal battle against the very doubts and desires that threaten his moral foundation. This complex interplay creates a multi-dimensional character whose journey becomes emblematic of the internal conflicts intrinsic to the human condition. (Smith, 2010)
The protagonist’s conflict is both external and internal. Externally, he is confronted with the possibility that his fellow townspeople are not who they seem to be. Internally, he struggles with his own doubts and temptations. Goodman Brown is a devout Puritan, but he is also a curious and questioning man. He is tempted to follow the devil into the forest, even though he knows that it is wrong.
Setting: The forest, a pervasive and ominous backdrop, is pivotal in shaping the story’s atmosphere and underscoring its underlying tension. By immersing readers in this foreboding environment, Hawthorne amplifies the sense of unease and mystery surrounding the characters’ actions. The transformative power of the forest as a symbolic threshold further emphasizes its role in catalyzing Goodman Brown’s moral awakening. (Martin, 2016)
The setting of the story is important to its development, as it creates a dark, foreboding atmosphere that contributes to the sense of unease and mystery. The forest is a place of darkness and danger, and it is a fitting setting for Goodman Brown’s journey into the unknown.
Symbolism: Hawthorne’s masterful use of symbolism enriches the narrative by adding layers of meaning. The forest itself, emblematic of the unknown and the siren call of temptation, draws parallels between Goodman Brown’s physical journey and his internal moral quandary. His wife Faith’s pink ribbon, a symbol of innocence and fidelity, assumes profound significance as it becomes emblematic of his struggle to reconcile his own faith with the malevolent revelations of the night. (Leavis, 2013)
The author uses several symbols in the story, including the forest, the staff, and the pink ribbon. These symbols represent the journey into the unknown, the protagonist’s faith, and his relationship with his wife, respectively. Understanding these symbols helps to shed light on the story’s themes and messages.
Theme: “Young Goodman Brown” exudes a prevailing theme that confronts conventional notions of human goodness. Hawthorne challenges readers to re-evaluate their assumptions by delving into the inherent darkness within humanity and the enduring struggle to maintain faith despite the pervasive presence of malevolence. This theme engages readers in a discourse on the intricacies of morality, the power of conviction, and the resilience of the human spirit. (Hawthorne, 1835)
The theme of the story is the inherent darkness and evil within humanity, and the struggle to maintain faith and resist temptation in the face of this darkness. This theme challenges many readers’ beliefs about the inherent goodness of humanity and the power of faith.
Style, Tone, and Diction: Hawthorne’s stylistic choices, characterized by formal and archaic diction, impart a distinct texture to the narrative. This choice not only serves to evoke the historical setting but also contributes to the story’s somber and weighty tone. The complexity of sentence structures further lends gravity to the text, amplifying the narrative’s depth and resonance. (McFarland, 2009)
Critical Strategies: The employment of a psychoanalytic critical strategy offers a profound lens through which to delve into the characters’ subconscious motivations and fears. This analysis unearths the hidden complexities that drive their decisions and actions, rendering a deeper understanding of their psychological depths. (Freud, 1899)
While authorial context can often provide insights, “Young Goodman Brown” stands as an autonomous narrative. Biographical elements of Hawthorne are informative but not pivotal to the textual interpretation. Therefore, this analysis will primarily focus on the intrinsic narrative elements.
Conclusion: Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown” emerges as a rich tapestry of literary craftsmanship, seamlessly weaving together plot, character, setting, symbolism, and theme to craft a profound exploration of humanity’s inherent dualism, moral dilemmas, and the tenacious endurance of faith. As we navigate the depths of the narrative, we are confronted with the unsettling notion that evil coexists within us all. The narrative’s resonance lies in its ability to provoke introspection, inviting readers to confront their assumptions about human nature and the multifaceted nature of belief. Hawthorne’s literary legacy endures as “Young Goodman Brown” remains a testament to his enduring ability to evoke introspection and contemplation about the intricate nature of the human soul.
Therefore, Young Goodman Brown is a classic American short story that explores the inherent darkness and evil within humanity. The story challenges readers’ beliefs about the inherent goodness of humanity and the power of faith, and it offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of doubt and temptation.
