Hawthorne wrote this story in such a way that one would have to draw one’s own conclusion. Right from the beginning the author has you thinking of the Devil and evil. “With this excellent resolve for the future, Goodman Brown felt himself justified in making more haste on his present evil purpose.” (805). This sentence tells the reader that Goodman Brown is up to no good and more interested “…on his present evil purpose.” (805). What is his tragedy you ask? Goodman Brown fights the forces of evil throughout the story.

Hawthorne’s major theme is evil and witchery. The setting is Puritanical Boston after the witch trials. Having the flavor of the witch trials woven into the story suggests that Goodman remembers the trials and the evil associated with them. His concern is “…shall I be the first of the name of Brown that ever took this path and kept.” (806) meaning will he remain evil. Hawthorne even gives the character a symbolic name. The first name of Goodman would have you believe that he is indeed a good man. The last name of Brown symbolizes dark, dreary tones such as the dark colors we know witches to wear. The first name and the last name a

Some topics in this essay:
Goodman Brown, Deacon Gookin, Puritanical Boston, Laurie Cabot, Brown Hawthorne, goodman brown, conflict head, forces evil, evil meeting, goodman brown conflict, evil purpose” 805, forces evil throughout, purpose” 805, white witches, evil purpose”, evil throughout, dark colors, name goodman,