Pessimistic View on Religion in Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown"

Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown" serves as a thought-provoking exploration of religion's multifaceted impact on individuals and communities. In this essay, we delve into the story's layers to dissect the profound critique of religion presented by Hawthorne. Through an examination of various elements within the narrative, such as gender roles, symbolism, and the protagonist's evolving beliefs, we will shed light on Hawthorne's perspective on faith and religion, ultimately inviting readers to reevaluate their own perceptions of these concepts.

Challenging Preconceived Notions

Hawthorne's narrative introduces us to a protagonist, Young Goodman Brown, who undergoes a transformative journey. At first glance, the story appears to challenge preconceived notions of religion, particularly within the context of the Puritanical society in which it is set. The central character's descent into disillusionment and his "dying hour [shrouded] in gloom" hint at Hawthorne's pessimistic view of religion (12).

Melissa McFarland Pennell aptly identifies a pivotal issue in the story, noting Brown's passive acceptance of the events he encounters. She emphasizes how Brown "perceives the actual, sees what his imagination induces, accepts what the devil insinuates, and never questions the validity of the scenes and sounds that he detects, but he does begin to doubt heaven" (35). This uncurious nature towards the religious events unfolding around him prompts us to scrutinize the very essence of faith and religion.

The Conflict of Conjugal Bliss and Religious Duty

A fundamental aspect of Hawthorne's critique of religion in "Young Goodman Brown" is its impact on conjugal happiness within the context of a devout Puritanical society. James C. Keil underscores how Puritans constructed female identity based on Eve's seduction by the devil and her deception of Adam in the Garden of Eden (40). This perspective portrays females as inherently "sexually predatory," a characterization subtly alluded to in the story's opening, where Faith's repeated thrusting motions and the mention of her "pink ribbons" symbolize coquetry (1).

Keil also highlights the Puritans' fear that love between spouses might rival and interfere with love for Christ. When Brown is about to embark on his fateful journey, Faith implores him to "tarry with me this night," her lips tantalizingly close to his ear (1). In accordance with Puritan gender roles, Brown deflects her plea by questioning her faith in him. This inherent conflict between the construction of female identity and religious obligation becomes a barrier in their marriage, ultimately leading to Brown's cold dismissal of Faith upon his return (11).

Unveiling Symbolism: The Forest and Inner Conflict

The story's symbolic elements, particularly the forest where much of the narrative unfolds, serve as a canvas for Hawthorne to depict Young Goodman Brown's inner conflict. Reginald Cook's interpretation suggests that this journey represents a descent from daylight into night, consciousness into subconsciousness, reality into illusion, and physicality into the psyche (478). In this forest, Brown exclaims, "My Faith is gone!" (7), discovering that "evil is the nature of mankind" (478). This marks a pivotal moment in the story, signifying his acceptance of the loss of deeply ingrained religious beliefs.

Upon returning to the village, Brown becomes disillusioned with his community, distancing himself from them. D. M. McKeithan suggests that Brown may be committing an unspecified sin, confident in his ability to indulge once more and resist future temptations (94). This highlights Brown's hypocrisy, as he judges his community while allowing himself to indulge in sin.

Faith vs. Religion: A Dichotomy Explored

It is essential to distinguish between faith and religion within Hawthorne's narrative. Here, faith assumes an allegorical role, embodied by Brown's wife and serving as an abstract concept. Keil's analysis points out that during Hawthorne's time, women were entrusted with preparing children for Christian salvation, underscoring faith's potential as a salvaging force (40). Religion, on the other hand, represents the performative aspects of faith, and Hawthorne appears to reject this dimension. He refrains from participating when the congregation sings a holy psalm (11) and turns away when the family kneels down for prayer (12). However, Hawthorne does not dismiss faith, as forsaking it may lead to a gloomy fate (12). His narrative masterfully blurs the lines between faith and religion, exposing the hypocrisy inherent in the outward performance of faith.

Conclusion

In "Young Goodman Brown," Nathaniel Hawthorne skillfully challenges conventional notions of religion and faith within a Puritanical context. Through the protagonist's transformative journey, the story delves into themes of gender roles, symbolism, and the conflict between personal desires and religious obligations. By critiquing religion's influence on individuals and communities, Hawthorne ultimately invites readers to reevaluate their own beliefs and perceptions of faith and religion. While he distinguishes between faith and religion, he underscores the complexity of their relationship, ultimately recognizing faith's potential for salvation. Hawthorne's narrative serves as a poignant reminder that religious convictions should be subjected to thoughtful examination and introspection.