Essay About Goodman Brown And Purpose Of Their Journey

Young Goodman Brown Archetypal Criticism
Young Goodman Brown Archetypal Criticism
Young Goodman Brown
Summary
The story takes place at a late evening in 17th century Salem, Massachussets, with young
Goodman Brown leaving his home and Faith, his wife of three months, to meet with a mysterious
figure deep in the forest. As he and this mysterious figure meet and proceed further into the dark
forest, it is broadly hinted that Goodman Browns traveling companion is, in fact, the Devil, and
that the purpose of their journey is to join in an unholy ritual. Goodman Brown feels unwillingness
,yet they continue on. As their journey continues Brown finds out that others also proceeding to the
meeting, and many of them townsfolk whom he had considered exemplary Christians, including his
minister and deacon and the woman who taught him his catechism. He is astonished and
disheartened and determines, once again, to turn back. But now he hears his wifes voice and
realizes she is one of those to be initiated at the meeting. Recognizing that he had lost Faith
and his “faith”, he carries out his original intention and joins the procession.
At the ceremony, carried out at a flame-lit, crude rocky altar in a clearing deep in the forest, the new
converts are called to come forth. He and Faith approach the altar and, as they are about to be
anointed in blood to seal their alliance with wickedness, he cries out to