Good and Evil in Hawthornes Young Goodman Brown Essay

Good and Evil in Young Goodman Brown In Young Goodman Brown. Nathaniel Hawthorne considers the question of good and evil, suggesting that true evil is judging and condemning others for sin without looking at ones own sinfulness. He examines the idea that sin is part of being human and there is no escape from it. Of the many symbols he uses in this story, each has a profound meaning. They represent good and evil in the constant struggle of a young innocent man whose faith is being tested. As the story begins, Young Goodman Brown bids farewell to his young wife Faith, as [she] was aptly named (211). When she ...thrust her own pretty head into the street, letting the wind play with the pink ribbons of her cap we associate†¦show more content†¦At this time he feels he can resist any temptation by keeping his faith. He refuses to believe the devil when he reveals to him that he has been ...well acquainted with [his] family...[they] were good friends... (213). In disbelief Young Goodman Brown is devastated, but knows that he still has his Faith. It would break her dear little heart; and Id rather break my own! (214). Trying desperately he holds on to his Christian belief, that he is going to Heaven, even when he recognizes the old woman who passes and says That old woman taught me catechism! (215). Soon after he also hears Deacon Gookin and the minister discussing the evenings event. Knowing that these people, in his mind were the forefront of goodness on Earth, he is shattered as, Young Goodman Brown caught hold of a tree, for support, being ready to sink down on the ground, faint and overburdened with the heavy sickness of his heart (216). He again tries to resist temptation and cries out, With Heaven above, and Faith below, I will yet stand firm against the devil! (216). But when he hears many voices and among them is Faith, in desperation he yells out to her. As he awaits a response, a pink ribbon that fluttered lightly down through the air as he catches it he cries, My Faith is gone!...There is no good on earth; and sin is but a name. Come, devil! for to thee is thisShow MoreRelated Absence of Absolute Good or Absolute Evil in Hawthornes Young Goodman Brown1468 Words   |  6 PagesAbsence of Absolute Good or Absolute Evil in Young Goodman Brown   Ã‚  Ã‚   Lo! There ye stand, my children, said the figure, in a deep and solemn tone, almost sad, with its despairing awfulness, as if his once angelis nature could yet mourn for our miserable race. Depending on one anothers hearts, ye had still hoped, that virtue were not all a dream. Now ye are undeceived! Evil is the nature of mankind. Evil must be your only happiness. Welcome, again, my children, to the communion of your raceRead MoreGood Vs. 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