Young Goodman Brown

A prominent theme in “Young Goodman Brown” is that of questioning and testing one’s faith. Hawthorne’s story suggests that doubting one’s faith—or questioning it—has catastrophic consequences. While Goodman Brown appears to be perfectly happy and content with his faith (both his wife and his beliefs), he still willingly chooses to enter the wilderness at night. He knows Faith is not eager to see him leave, but he tells her, “say thy prayers, dear Faith, and go to bed at dusk, and no harm will come to thee” (1). His conviction is supported by his belief that prayer will protect his Faith from harm. He eases his own uncertainty but resolving to never again leave Faith’s side after returning from his evening errand.

This resolution is tested throughout the story. Brown is curious about what awaits him in the forest; however, when he meets the elder traveler, he becomes skeptical of the journey. He says, “Faith kept me back awhile” (2), and on several occasions he stops, acknowledging that his faith will not approve of him being on the journey and so he must turn back. Again and again, Brown’s conviction is swayed.