The Impact of Religion in Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown"

The Influence of Religion in Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown"

Throughout history, various social movements have significantly shaped societies across political, economic, and religious dimensions. Among these, religion has played a particularly crucial role. The 16th and 17th centuries witnessed the rise of Puritanism, a reform movement that fervently sought to revitalize Protestant faith and establish a unified religious identity in America. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “Puritans believed that it was necessary to be in a covenant relationship with God in order to redeem one from one’s sinful condition, that God had chosen to reveal salvation through preaching, and that the Holy Spirit was the energizing instrument of salvation.” This covenant signifies a mutual commitment between God and humanity, emphasizing the grave consequences that accompany its violation, including “condemnation to hell.”

The lasting impact of Puritanism on society continued to resonate in literature even two centuries later, influencing authors like Nathaniel Hawthorne. Literature serves as a vital bridge between historical events and contemporary society, allowing readers to engage with complex themes through narrative. Hawthorne’s short story, Young Goodman Brown, employs rich metaphors and symbolism to explore the enduring struggles of faith and morality, reflecting the deep-rooted influence of Puritan beliefs.

Faith and Doubt: The Journey of Goodman Brown

As the story unfolds, we meet Goodman Brown, a character whose name symbolizes the archetype of the virtuous man. Newly married to his wife, Faith, for just three months, Goodman is introduced as a man grappling with his beliefs. The name of his wife is not coincidental; it serves as a clear indication of the story's religious symbolism. Faith embodies Goodman’s faith in God, and his doubts about Puritanism lead him to venture into the dark unknown, leaving Faith behind. This initial decision foreshadows his internal struggle and foreshadows the potential loss of his spiritual integrity.

Goodman's journey into the forest represents not only a physical expedition but also a metaphorical exploration of his faith. As he traverses the dark woods, he soon falls asleep and dreams of continuing his quest. It is in this dream that he encounters a mysterious man—symbolically interpreted as the devil—who offers him a serpent staff, representing temptation. The devil’s friendly demeanor, claiming to be an old family friend, reveals the deceptive nature of evil, illustrating how it lures individuals away from righteousness.

The Revelation of True Nature

As Goodman continues his journey, he encounters familiar faces, including Goody Cloyse, a woman known for her devoutness. The sight of her in the forest shatters Goodman’s perception of morality; it forces him to confront the unsettling reality that even the seemingly faithful can succumb to darkness. This realization deeply frightens him and prompts him to question his own commitment: “‘What if a wretched old woman do choose to go to the devil, when I thought she was going to heaven! Is that any reason why I should quit my dear Faith and go after her?’” In this moment, Goodman’s faith wavers, but he has not yet surrendered to despair.

The climax of Goodman’s internal conflict arrives when he stumbles upon a “witch-meeting” deep within the forest, where he discovers his beloved Faith among those participating in the dark ceremony. This pivotal moment symbolizes his ultimate loss of faith. In a desperate attempt to save her from evil, he calls out, urging both her and himself to resist temptation. “Whether Faith obeyed, he knew not.” This uncertainty encapsulates Goodman’s internal struggle and reflects the broader theme of the fragility of faith.

The Consequences of Doubt

Upon awakening, Goodman is left disoriented and haunted by the implications of his dream. He realizes that it portends doom, and his change of heart irrevocably alters his perception of the world. The once-beloved townspeople, including his wife, become unrecognizable to him, and he is left to navigate life in a state of bitterness and uncertainty. Ultimately, Goodman Brown’s journey does not yield peace; instead, he emerges as a “lost” man, stripped of his religious dignity.

List of Themes in "Young Goodman Brown"

• The Duality of Human Nature
• The Fragility of Faith
• The Influence of Puritanism
• The Nature of Evil
• The Quest for Identity

Table: Key Symbols in "Young Goodman Brown"

In conclusion, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Young Goodman Brown serves as a poignant exploration of the impact of religion, particularly the lingering influence of Puritanism on the human psyche. Through Goodman’s journey, Hawthorne illustrates the complexities of faith and the perilous nature of temptation, ultimately revealing that the quest for righteousness can lead to disillusionment and despair. As Goodman Brown’s story demonstrates, the struggle between good and evil is an enduring aspect of the human experience, shaped by the religious beliefs that guide us.

Works Cited

Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "Young Goodman Brown." The Heath Anthology of American Literature, 6th ed. Vol. B. Boston: Patricia Coryell, 2009. 2422-430. Print.

"Puritanism | Religion." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2014. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.

"The Puritan Beliefs." The Puritan Beliefs. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.