How does Faith try to stop Young Goodman Brown from taking the journey on that evening?
Arms and the Man Themes is a notable literary work by ___. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Arms and the Man Themes.
Answer
How does Faith try to stop Young Goodman Brown from taking the journey on that evening? [NU: 2016]
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s (1804-1864) “Young Goodman Brown” (1835) is a tale of faith and temptation. The story begins in Salem village. Goodman Brown wants to leave at night. But his wife Faith tries to stop him with love, fear, and tears.
Faith’s Loving Request: At the doorway, Faith begs Goodman Brown not to go. She wears pink ribbons. She speaks softly. She says,
“Prithee put off your journey until sunrise.”
Her words show love. She wants her husband to stay with her. But Brown replies,
“This one night must I tarry away from thee.”
This is his first disobedience. Faith’s request is full of care, but he ignores her.
Faith’s Fear and Sadness: Faith feels afraid to stay alone at night. She says she has troubled dreams. She asks for comfort. She wants her husband beside her. Hawthorne writes,
“Pray tarry with me this night, dear husband.”
Her fearful words are a warning. But Goodman Brown chooses curiosity. He prefers the dark forest over his wife’s sad face. Faith’s fear shows innocence. But Brown’s choice shows weakness.
Faith’s Sad Look: When Goodman Brown leaves, Faith still looks at him. He turns back and sees her. Her eyes are full of sadness. The pink ribbons wave in the air. Brown feels sorrow, but still goes away. This final moment shows that Faith tried her best. But Goodman Brown rejects her. He walks to the forest, and also walks away from true faith.
Faith tries three times, with request, with fear, and with her sad look. But Goodman Brown leaves Salem and enters the forest. By ignoring Faith, he also ignores spiritual faith. This is the first step of his downfall.