Young Goodman Brown - Question

1. What do you think Hawthorne's purpose was for writing this story?

        -   The purpose for Hawthorne's for writing this story was to show that there is evil everywhere and it shouldn't affect your life.To fight between the good and bad while having faith.

2. Hawthorne states that Brown's wife is "aptly named" Faith.  After reading the story, do you agree?  Does Faith's name fit her personality?  Does Brown have true faith in her?

        -  Faith's name does fit her personality. She is described to be very innocent and hopeful.

3. What do you think the pink ribbons signify?

        -  I think that the pink ribbons signify innocence, purity, and angelic. 

4. Was everything Brown witnessed real, a figment of his imagination, something conjured by evil, or a dream?  Support your answer with passages from the text.

        -  A figment of his imagination. He saw the devil in a snake figure, which is not normal to witness in reality. 

5. Who do you think the old man really is?  What textual clues tell you this?

        -  I believe that the old man was his self conscience. I feel like he was questioning is beliefs. Clues: No man can turn into a snake.  

6. What does the staff represent?  Do you think the staff leads Brown onward or is the primary motivator Brown's own conscience/mind?

        -  I feel like it's trying to send a message, coming to a final conclusion. That's why Brown is having these odd imaginations in his mind.

7. If Brown had not ventured into the forest, how would his life be different?  If he'd stayed home, would Brown still have Faith?  Would he still trust his wife and his fellow townspeople?

        -  If Brown had not ventured into the forest, his life will continue as it was.