"The Transformation of Goodman Brown".
Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown" uses many forms of symbolism within its fictional storyline. It is this symbolism that carries Goodman Brown through a journey in his own mind. Through the use of ambiguity we must come to a conclusion of whether or not the occurrences that take place in the woods are created by Goodman's mind or if they actually occur. I believe that these occurrences were in fact imagined by Goodman due to his own doubts of religion and the people around him. Leading me to this conclusion is that, much of the reality factor of this story is left to the reader, the analysis of the old man's character, and the terms of Goodman's life when he returns to the town the next day.
The use of ambiguity in this story leaves the conclusion entirely up to the reader. We must decide whether or not we trust Goodman's recollection of the occurrences in the woods to have actually taken place. I find it very easy to believe that his own doubts of religion in fact twisted his view of reality. First, we have to ask why he even went in to the woods in the first place? He knew that he was embarking on some kind of evil journey, yet he went anyway. He left town despite the pleading of his wife, Faith and his own unassurances. As he begins his journey he says that it would kill Faith to even think of his intention. Obviously, Goodman was going through a period in his life where many uncertainties of faith began surfacing. It very well could be that thoughts inside his head have been manifesting for a while. Doubts about the purity and authenticity of the church and the supposedly pious townspeople. So we come to the conclusion that Goodman is going on this journey to do some soul-searching because no other purpose is stated within the story.
The second factor that influences the fictional realm of the occurrences is the appearance of the old man as Goodman's guide in the woods.
