Young Goodman Brown

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The theme of Young Goodman Brown
Introduction
The story is about a man who lives among Puritans known to be God-fearing. He then journeys out after bidding goodbye the wife then heading into the dark and menacing unknown of the woods. On that day been witches Sabbath and is induction into the evil brotherhood. Curiosity makes him interested in their performance but on the way meets a man with snake resembling staff appearing in a devil figure. Scare him to turn around but finds himself carried forward then was passed by members of the clergy but decides to hide but got shocked when he sees the wife almost been inducted then wanting to warn her he wakes up and finds that he is the woods alone. When he returns home life goes on as usual but wonders if whether he was sleeping or a reality. This led to change of his life becoming stern, sad, darkly meditative and distrustful man until death.
The theme of one man’s virtue is another man’s sin and vice versa is evident and Brown realizes that irrespective of how good or bad something appears solely depends on who is observing that which is taking place. The eager of Puritan punishing those who have committed crimes can be praised as an act of another puritan but condemned as an inhumane act of non-puritan. As a result of the situation making Goodman confused. Since that what is perceived is like one moral values are valid unlike the other opposing. But do exist moral values which are expected to be acceptable by all.

For example like murder, child abuses are considered wrong deeds. Though the devil figure succeeds in trapping Goodman on what is right or wrong. With this to the extent of standing before the made altar with the faith to receive the marking baptism from the devil hesitating up to the last minute urging the wife to make a turnover. After choosing not to be part of the cult then finds himself alone in the forest, as if he was just awakened from a dream (Olson 82, 83). Entirely the experience learned from the woods changes his life.
Conclusion
One can become strong in principles but the situation of wanting to no more or believing too much. Due to curiosity one compromises his character. This made Goodman confirm, resulting in doubts which made him live the rest of his life desperate man until death. A time is better to hold on that which we have than create more of our own because it might make a great sign in ones’ life for the better or the worst.
Reference
Olson, Steven. “A History of the American Mind:” Young Goodman Brown”.” Journal of the Short Story in English. Les Cahiers de la nouvelle 52 (2009).