Introduction: Inherent Evil in Man in “Young Goodman Brown”
Inherent evil in man in “Young Goodman Brown” is depicted as a pervasive force that lurks within the human soul, capable of corrupting even the most devout individuals. Goodman Brown, a young Puritan newlywed in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s tale, is expected, as a Puritan, to adhere strictly to religious principles, exhibiting stern behavior and striving for moral rectitude in pursuit of salvation. However, contrary to these expectations, he ventures into the forest, despite knowing his wife’s loyalty, and feels “justified” in doing so (Hawthorne 7). He embarks on this solitary journey into the forest at night, even when Salem, his village, lies still. Through Goodman Brown’s journey, his perception of human innocence is shattered, and he grapples with the realization of the inherent evil that lurks within humankind.
Salem and Inherent Evil in Man in “Young Goodman Brown”
Before departing on his journey, Goodman Brown was certain that everyone in Salem was inherently good, believing in the absence of wickedness, sin, or evil. Regarding his wife, he regarded her as “a blessed angel” (7). Additionally, he held similar perceptions of his father, mother, and the pious minister, whom he saw as exemplary individuals, even remarking on the minister’s devoutness during “lecture-day!” (21). However, upon encountering the devil and discussing his intentions, Goodman Brown’s faith in the innocence and purity of those around him begins to unravel. As the devil reveals the true nature of various revered figures in the village, including Goody Cloyse, who had taught him catechism, Goodman Brown is shocked and horrified. His pride in his family’s supposed righteousness is shattered as he learns of their past misdeeds, and he becomes disillusioned with the notion of inherent goodness. Despite initially clinging to the belief that his wife, Faith, remains untainted, his certainty wavers as he hears unsettling voices and witnesses ominous signs. Finally, when he discovers Faith’s ribbon in the forest and declares, “My Faith is gone!” (50), he acknowledges the loss of his faith in the goodness of humanity. This moment marks the realization that the world is not as he had believed it to be, leading to a profound shift in his perception of the inherent evil within man.
Evil and Inherent Evil in Man in “Young Goodman Brown”
The second confusion arose regarding the nature of evil lurking in humankind. As he departed the village, he sensed the dubiousness of his journey, acknowledging that his wife might have discerned it (7). Uncertain about what spurred him to undertake this errand and what lesson he sought, aside from a vague notion of customary solitude in the forest, his confusion mirrored his own ambiguity (8). He pondered the possibility of the devil accompanying him on his journey (9). Disillusionment ensued when the devil revealed the presence of all at the ominous gathering, save for his wife. However, the mere discovery of her ribbon led him to exclaim the loss of his faith. It was then that he realized, “the good shrank not from the wicked” (56). Finally, when the devil proclaimed, “Evil is the nature of mankind” (65), clarity dawned upon him, dispelling his confusion into the ether.
Conclusion: Inherent Evil in Man in “Young Goodman Brown”
All things considered, it is evident that while he bore responsibility for his own downfall, he willingly abandoned his loyal wife to venture into the forest and confront whatever the devil had in store for him. Upon realizing that everyone harbors a semblance of evil within them and that malevolence resides within mankind, his perception of innocence shattered. Despite his return to the village, his demeanor remained unchanged, and a sense of sullenness seemed to cling to him until his dying day.
Works Cited: Inherent Evil in Man in “Young Goodman Brown”
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. “Young Goodman Brown.” n.d. Online Literature. <http://www.online-literature.com/poe/158/>. Accessed 25 Jun. 2019.
Relevant Questions about Inherent Evil in Man in “Young Goodman Brown”
- How does Nathaniel Hawthorne portray the theme of inherent evil in “Young Goodman Brown,” and what literary devices does he employ to convey this concept effectively?
- What specific events or encounters in “Young Goodman Brown” serve as evidence of the characters’ inherent capacity for evil, and how do these instances contribute to the overall thematic development of the story?
- In what ways does Goodman Brown’s journey into the forest symbolize his confrontation with the darker aspects of human nature, and how does his perception of himself and others evolve as a result of this experience?
