"Young Goodman Brown" - Nathaniel Hawthorne

I first read this story sometime in high school, but remembering the thought that I had read it previously, got lost in that brick of grey matter we call a brain. But when I started to read it this time around, I thought: "Why does this sound so familiar, and I bet that guy is going to have a snake staff..." Then it returned to me. I remember hating this story so much in high school, but I can't recall why. After having finish "Young Goodman Brown" a few nights previous I think it's a great story, with a good theme, and great symbolism. So why did I hate it back then and not now? Honestly, I don't know; It could be that my level of understanding has change, or MAYBE, quite possibly, I might have grown up a little bit. Maybe... but I doubt it. It was most likely, due to me getting slightly better at seeing what's behind the words, instead of just words.

What to say about this story. WORSHIP THE DEVIL! No, but sort of. The main theme seems to be the loss of Faith in Young Goodman Brow, both physically, as well as spiritually. However, I think another theme could be argued. The corruption of man, ( or society; because where would we be without the woman? In the kitchen, making our own sandwiches, probably. Kidding!) is definite and even the most honest, and chivalrous can defeated and turned. Corruption is everywhere, one just needs the temptation. I'm not going to write a full blown essay on the topic, but evidence is there to be able to make one. Ultimately this man loses his faith, in himself, his wife, his religion, everything. He also goes insane. What traditional Gothic story would not have someone go insane.

What I liked a lot about the story was the lack of colour, if that makes sense. everything seems very gray, not only in the clothing, homes, and the area around them, but there personalities as well. Everything is bottled up; no kissing in public, etc. EXCEPT for the pink ribbon in Young Goodman Brown's wife's hair. Such a bolt of colour in this gray world is shocking, and must have some sort of important meaning. Innocence. But what happens when that pink ribbon is lost? Could be the loss of innocence, perhaps even loss of Faith? Why yes, yes it can! Something so small, and delicate and have such a huge meaning. That's what I really liked about the story.