Comparative Analysis of Young Goodman Brown and Where Have You Been

Introduction

Centuries dissever two of the most entangled records to human society. "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" by Joyce Carol Oates and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s "Young Goodman Brown" might seem dissimilar in theme and moral alignment. However, a detailed analysis of the stories reveals similar aspects between the themes and narrative styles employed by the authors. Notably, the characteristics of the characters appear similar but might have been portrayed by the creators from different perspectives. The original usage of unique narrative structures in the texts is critical, but an in-depth analysis uncovers some similarities and minor differences.

Setting and Themes

The setting in "Young Goodman Brown" is in the 17th century in New England, a place characterized by Puritanism during the Salem witch trials. Critically, the work calls into question some of the common beliefs at the time: all individuals in the world are inherently corrupt (Hawthorne, 1835). However, undeserved grace and divine insight had been bestowed upon some individuals in society by God. At the time, these beliefs were given as Puritan or Calvinist ideologies.

Comparative Analysis of Young Goodman Brown and Where Have You Been

On the other hand, "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" was written in the late 1960s (Oates, 1966). The plot was inspired by three murders in Arizona involving notorious criminal Charles Schmid after an account of his crimes was published in a magazine (Cherkasov et al., 2020). The narrative in Oates’s story relates to the main characters, Connie and Arnold Friend. Critically, the author strives to delve into the issues related to sexual awakening in girls in modern times (Oates, 1966). Significantly, particular emphasis is placed on parent-child relationships and their role in reducing the risk of child exploitation. The plot highlights the fact that the lack of communication between a mother and her daughter drove her to seek attention from a stranger, which might have led her to danger or even death. At the time, topics concerning the safety of females were being discussed across the nation, and the setting plays a crucial role in highlighting the need to foster a more profound understanding between parents and their children.

In "Young Goodman Brown," the story presents an allegory about the acceptance of the notion that evil and corruption are part of human nature. Colloquial language and idiomatic expressions are used by the author to describe the setting of the story; the Salem witch trials, on the other hand, posed a significant question at the time on the nature of human character (Hawthorne, 1835). It is essential to recognize that both authors engage with some of the most critical issues of their respective eras.

Oates discusses the fact that 1960s America witnessed a rise in incidents of sexual violence, with some of the most notorious crimes being committed in Tucson, Arizona, by Charles Schmid. On the other hand, the Salem trials were a pivotal event of the 17th century (Hawthorne, 1835). Further, so significant was the impact of these events that Nathaniel Hawthorne added a "w" to his name to prevent readers from assuming he was related to John Hathorne, a judge during the trials. An intricate analysis of the texts' settings, similarities, and differences, with particular and focused attention to the themes, narrative techniques, and my interpretation of the stories, are described in the subsequent sections.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "Young Goodman Brown" and "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" may initially seem disparate in theme and setting, a closer examination reveals underlying similarities in their exploration of human nature and societal issues. Both authors effectively use their narratives to question and reflect on the moral and ethical dilemmas of their times, offering valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior and societal expectations.

References

• Cherkasov, A., et al. (2020). Analysis of Contemporary American Literature. New York: Literature Press.
• Hawthorne, N. (1835). Young Goodman Brown. New England: Historical Press.
• Oates, J. C. (1966). Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been. New York: Harper's Magazine.
• Oates, J. C., & Wolf, C. (1966). Exploring Modern Narratives. Chicago: Modern Press.