Introduction: Reasons behind Goodman Brown’s Estranged Attitude
Reasons behind Goodman Brown’s estranged attitude can be traced to the unsettling revelations and encounters he experiences during his mysterious journey in the forest, where the lines between reality and the supernatural become blurred. Nathaniel Hawthorne created Goodman Brown and his wife, Faith, to illustrate the hypocrisy of religious individuals during the time when he composed the short story.
The narrative revolves around the newlywed couple, Goodman Brown and his spouse, Faith. As a devout Puritan, Goodman Brown endeavored to live in accordance with religious injunctions that focused on final redemption and moral high grounds. One night, he informed his wife about his plan to venture into the forest, believing that his haste was justified. He held the belief that people are born innocent, using his wife as an example.
On the fateful night, he left his house for the forest to attend to some errand, convinced that he was on a quest to discover the reality of evils. However, his journey not only shattered his impression of human goodness but also convinced him that humans are inherently flawed, harboring evil within them. This realization left him estranged from others for the rest of his life.
Faith and Reasons behind Goodman Brown’s Estranged Attitude
Before embarking on his venture, Goodman Brown held a positive view of the people in his community, including the ministers whom he considered good and even revered. His parents were beyond questioning in his eyes, and he perceived the residents of Salem, his village, as pious and inherently good-hearted. His wife, Faith, held a special place among the virtuous souls of the village. Goodman Brown believed he understood the innate goodness of his parents and the ministers of the country, stating that they “would make me tremble” (Hawthorne 551).
However, as the devil reveals some darker aspects associated with his spouse, Goodman Brown expresses concern, sighing, “Faith, I would break her dear little heart” (551). Despite this revelation, he remains convinced of his wife’s purity and his own fidelity as a husband, affirming, “but so purely and sweetly now, in the arms of Faith!” (553).
As he proceeds with the devil on the path toward evil, Goodman Brown briefly reflects on his ego and pride, stating, “My father never went into the woods on such an errand” (549). He further emphasizes that their family history had never involved such actions, saying, “and shall I be the first of the name of Brown that ever took this path and kept” (550). He is genuinely taken aback by the possibility that anything contrary to his views could occur.
Society and Reasons behind Goodman Brown’s Estranged Attitude
Goodman Brown struggled to come to terms with the revelation that his family members and friends could engage in such morally questionable behavior when their true nature was exposed to him. Even individuals he held in high regard, such as his father, the administrator, and Goody Cloyse, from whom he received catechism, were among those revealed to him.
His bewilderment deepened when he encountered Goody Cloyse on his way to the forest, a sight that confounded him. However, the most shocking revelation came when he learned about the immoral actions committed by his forefathers and immediate family members—individuals he had previously idealized. This unexpected discovery left him in a state of extreme surprise and disbelief.
The devil claimed to know Goodman Brown’s grandfather and recounted how he had “lashed the Quaker woman” and taken her “through the streets of Salem” (550). Goodman Brown, expressing wonder, remarked, “I marvel they never spoke of these matters” (550), indicating his astonishment at the hidden truths about his ancestors and family members that had never been openly discussed.
Devil and Reasons behind Goodman Brown’s Estranged Attitude
The devil continued to disclose information about other people to Goodman Brown, making it initially difficult for him to believe such claims. Filled with a sense of pride and assurance, Goodman Brown asserted, “We are a people of prayer” (551), attempting to convey the moral integrity of his community. However, the devil terrorized him by revealing, “The deacons of many a church have drunk the communion wine with me” (551), undermining Goodman Brown’s belief in the goodness of his fellow townspeople.
As Goodman Brown grappled with the possibility that the devil’s narrative might have some basis in truth, he became increasingly despondent. Determined to assert his own purity, he declared, “With Heaven above, and Faith below, I will yet stand firm against the devil!” (553), elevating the status of his wife to celestial significance. He vehemently opposed the devil’s attempts to tarnish his life by maligning his spouse and loved ones.
During his journey in the forest, Goodman Brown clung to his beliefs until he discovered “something fluttered lightly down through the air” (554) and recognized it as Faith’s pink ribbon (557). This discovery shattered his illusions, and he cried out, “My Faith is gone!” Realizing the true nature of his fellow villagers, he concluded, “There is no good on earth and sin is but a name” (557), abandoning his idealistic views about his countrymen, including his wife.
In a moment of self-reproach, he berated himself for embarking on such an errand, acknowledging his own wretchedness. He justified his haste with the belief that truth had lost its meaning, stating, “making more haste on his present evil purpose” (549). Despite his initial bravery on the dangerous track, he became bewildered, entertaining thoughts like, “What if the devil himself should be at my very elbow!” (549).
Goodman Brown’s blind faith persisted until the devil revealed the truth about the villagers. Even though he had some doubts about his wife, Faith, seeing her pink ribbon in the forest changed everything. The once-trusted image in his mind was shattered, and he lamented, “My Faith is gone” (554), with irony emphasizing the loss of both his spouse and his religious beliefs.
Conclusion: Reasons behind Goodman Brown’s Estranged Attitude
In his speech, the devil boldly declares, “Evil is the nature of mankind!” (556), a proclamation that forces Goodman Brown to confront the harsh reality. While the devil bears responsibility for tempting and leading Goodman Brown on this dubious journey, the protagonist is not without fault. His decision to undertake the preplanned voyage orchestrated by the devil ultimately leads to his ruin.
Despite the revelations and the devastating impact of the devil’s machinations on Goodman Brown and his fellow countrymen, little seems to have changed upon his return home. Goodman Brown continues to behave in a manner consistent with his past, adhering to the same patterns. However, there is a heightened determination in his actions, propelling him towards an inevitable and final end. The journey into the forest becomes a transformative experience that leaves Goodman Brown irreversibly changed, even if his outward behavior initially appears unchanged.
Work Cited: Reasons behind Goodman Brown’s Estranged Attitude
- Hawthorn, Nathaniel. “Young Goodman Brown.” An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Writing. Ed. Kennedy X. J. & Dana Gioia. 3rd ed. Vol. 10. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 549-558. Print.
Relevant Questions about Reasons behind Goodman Brown’s Estranged Attitude
- What psychological and emotional factors contribute to Goodman Brown’s decision to adopt an estranged attitude towards those around him, especially considering the influence of his experiences in the dark forest?
- How does Hawthorne use symbolic elements, such as the journey through the forest and encounters with mysterious figures, to illustrate the reasons behind Goodman Brown’s estranged attitude and the impact of his internal struggles on his perception of others?
- In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown,” how do societal and religious pressures play a role in shaping Goodman Brown’s estranged attitude, and what specific events or beliefs contribute to his skepticism and distrust towards the people in his community?