Young Goodman Brown Allegory Analysis

Allegory in Young Goodman Brown In 1835, Nathanial Hawthorne wrote a short story by the name of "Young Goodman Brown" which is seen as an allegory that deals with a deep moral issue, as allegories often do. An allegory is a story written in order to portray an underlying message or symbolic meaning. Hawthorne shows his allegory of a man 's test of faith, and how there is evil in everyone through the characters and the setting of the story. The short story of Goodman Brown takes place during the Salem witch trials of 1692. During this dark time, around two-hundred people were accused of practicing witchcraft, which was punishable under the Puritan Law. It is also believed that nineteen of these people were hanged and one executed by Puritans

These, as well as other minor characters are used as a key part in expressing its allegorical nature. Hawthorne uses some of the characters as metaphors and gives them symbolic roles in order to easily portray his message to his audience. Goodman Brown, the main character, is made to appear as a common man through many different details, beginning with his name. Young was most likely added to the front of Goodman Brown to represent a common inexperienced man who is early in his age and still figuring things out. After all, he is newly married and just beginning his life. Goodman portrays an image of exactly what it says, a good man. Lastly, Brown is a very common name. A reader often connects easier with a name that they are familiar with as it can create a sense of relatability. Brown 's wife, Faith is given her name for an easily recognizable reason which is to symbolize Brown 's religious faith in God. Faith wears a cap with pretty pink ribbons placed onto it. These pink ribbons most likely represent the young, playful, and innocent characteristics of the