In the beginning of the story, Goodman Brown is feeling that he is impure compared to his wife and the rest of his community. “Say thy prayers, dear Faith, and go to bed at dusk, and no harm will come to thee.” (Hawthorne 24), is evidence of the way Goodman feels about his wife Faith. He turns around and says this about himself, “What a wretch am I to leave her on such an errand! [ . . . ] [it] would

Goodman Brown’s journey into the woods floods him with many decisions which are a direct effect of the obstacles that face him. Goodman says, “What if the devil himself should be

at my very elbow!” (Hawthorne 25), just before noticing “a figure of a man” (Hawthorne 25), similar to himself, sitting under a tree. This “figure of a man” was Goodman’s first obstacle. The figure is Goodman’s companion and leader on the trail. Despite the resemblance Goodman makes a stand not to go any farther. Goodman explains to the devil that neither his father nor his grandfather has ever been on a journey such as this (Hawthorne 26). At this point it seems that Goodman Brown is ready to return to faith and Faith. Then, the devil replies, “I have been as well acquainted with your family as with ever a one among the Puritans; and that’s no trifle to say.” (Hawthorne 26). This convinces Brown to continue the path. His next obstacle comes when he sees people that seem respectable and venerable walking down the same path. Young Goodman Brown sees a female figure that resembles Goody Cloyse, the “dame, who had taught him his catechism in youth, and was still his moral and spiritual adviser [. . .]” (Hawthorne 27). Also he sees two more persons of honorable mention from his town, the minister and Deacon Gookin. This is where Brown starts to lose trust in people. At this time the path towards evil seems more promising but he still remembers the one thing that he thinks he can count on. Once again regardless of what he sees, he sits down on a stump of a tree and refuses to continue. Goodman exclaims, “Not another step will I budge on this errand. What if a wretched old woman do choose to go to the devil when I thought she was going to heaven: is that any reason why I should quit my dear Faith and g

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