Hawthorne, “Young Goodman Brown,”

This was an interesting read. I usually like writings that are straight forward, but Hawthorne’s descriptive words make the story come to life. At first I thought the story was going to be romantic. The newlyweds were deeply in love. Faith could barely stand having her husband leave for one night. The tone of the story quickly changed from newlywed love to the deep dark spookiness of the forest. I had no idea why Goodman Brown was going to the forest. I really like how Hawthorne used his words to make the forest seem so scary. The “forest seemed to close around him” and it seemed anyone could be hiding behind the trees.

While reading, I had no idea what was going on. Was this a fictional story? Was this about witchcraft? What was Goodman doing in the forest in the middle of the night? I was a little frustrated as a reader because I had no idea what was going on. I thought this was just another deeply symbolic story that I did not understand. Eventually Goodman returned home. Hawthorne then suggested that maybe the whole forest experience was just a dream.

Did Hawthorne really mean he had a dream? Maybe he was referring to a spiritual awakening. I feel like the suggestion that it was a dream brought the whole story together. Goodman began to see the world differently. Who were these people he thought he knew? Do they practice what they preach? Are they who they say they are? Goodman even seemed to question his wife Faith. What caused Goodman to have this dream or realization?

I think everyone at some point realizes the world is not as it always seems. People do not always practice what they preach. Not just in a religious way, but in all aspects of life. It is a gamble to trust someone. Goodman must have trusted Faith. Did she lose his trust? Why? Unfortunately, we have to be careful who we trust. This mistrust can also bring problems. Did Goodman’s dream cause him to lose faith in humanity? Did his wife Faith do anything to lose his trust? I feel like this story is about a man who has come to realize everyone is not who they say they are. Now, he questions everyone.

The world is the same today. Be careful who you trust. However, would a life be complete without a trusting relationship? This story makes it sound like everyone is up to something. There are many people who may not be trust worthy, but there are plenty of people in this world who we can build trust with and have good relations.