Considered an outstanding tale of witchcraft, it concerns a young Puritan who ventures into the forest to meet with a stranger. Goodman lives a transformed life but doubts everyone. Young Goodman Brown, allegorical short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1835 in New England Magazine and collected in Mosses from an Old Manse (1846). It is not clear if the events were real, or it was a dream. On Brown’s return to the village, he visualizes everyone as evil. When Goodman instructs Faith to face heaven and resists the devil’s temptations, he finally finds himself all alone in the forest. Though there are people who drag him to go forward among the converts, Goodman refuses. One of the converts that come later is faith. Among the many respected people and community priests, faith is not there. Since he feels that no one is good anymore, he grabs the staff to go to the ceremony. He also hears a voice that sounds like that of Faith. However, Goodman still wants to stay truthful to the ways of God for the sake of his wife. Later, Goodman hears voices like one of Deacon Gookin. He also leaves Goodman the staff to use it in case he changes his decision. Before going away, the man tells Goodman to rest. Goodman insists he wants to go back to his wife. When the man taps Goody Cloyse, she identifies herself as a witch. When Goodman sees Goody Cloyse, he hides because he is embarrassed. The man tells Goodman how he knows people associated with Goodman, the stayer governor, and the church members.ĭespite being confused, Goodman insists on his intention to go back to Faith. With the explanation that his family members are Christians, Goodman refuses the staff.

The man offers Goodman the stick promising it can help Goodman walk faster. Everything seems to be normal about the man except the walking stick he has, which has an image of a curved serpent. After that, he comes across a man that seems to know him by the way they greeted. He fears that he might meet Satan or the Indians hiding behind the trees. The journey takes Goodman through a thick forest.

What Else Is in the Story? Here is the Plot Overview As Goodman leaves, he feels guilty that his wife may have an idea of his evil deeds. He tells Faith to pray for God’s protection. Faith is scared that staying alone may make her have fearful thoughts. Goodman Brown bids Faith, his wife goodbye outside their home.

Young goodman brown short story