Young Goodman Brown

Dreams are a significant motif in fiction written during American Romanticism. How does Hawthorne use the dream motif to reveal the inner-most fears of his central character? How does his use of dreams compare to other authors writing in Hawthorne’s time?

Some readers may argue that despite Brown’s downfall as a Christian, his revelation in the wilderness leads to growth in his character. Despite Brown’s gloomy awakening, do you think he has grown? Why or why not?

“Young Goodman Brown” is an allegory criticizing the hypocrisies of Puritanism in 17th-century America. Could the story symbolize any other events or ideas happening in Hawthorne’s lifetime? If so, what could it represent?

Hawthorne depicts a juxtaposition between civilization and noncivilized wilderness. What is he saying about the relationship of these areas? How does he compare the two throughout his story?

Have you ever experienced a life-changing moment that altered your perspective on something you thought was true? What happened? How does your experience compare to Goodman Brown’s?

Fiction written in the American Romantic period is credited with contributing to a rebirth in American culture and thought called the American Renaissance. In what ways could “Young Goodman Brown” be used to demonstrate this idea?

Why do you think Hawthorne was compelled to write a story that comments on and criticizes American culture from nearly 200 hundred years in the past? What new purpose might the story have served in the 1800s? What about today?

“Young Goodman Brown” is a story told by an omniscient narrator. How would the story differ if told from the point of view of Faith or the elder traveler? How would Hawthorne’s themes change with each of these perspectives?