The inherent tendency to evil of human nature has been depicted in the story “Young Goodman Brown” — discuss.

Answer

The inherent tendency to evil of human nature has been depicted in the story “Young Goodman Brown” — discuss. [NU: 2015, 22] ★★★

Or, “Evil is the nature of mankind” — Discuss.

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s (1804-1864) short story “Young Goodman Brown” (1835) is a dark tale about human weakness. It shows how every person carries both good and evil inside. Hawthorne uses Salem village, the forest, and many symbolic characters to show this truth. The story teaches that evil is not outside only. Evil is in the heart of mankind. Hawthorne says, 

“Evil is the nature of mankind. Evil must be your only happiness.”

Goodman Brown’s Curiosity and Weakness: Goodman Brown leaves Salem village at night. His wife Faith asks him to stay, but he says, 

“This one night must I tarry away from thee.” 

This decision shows man’s weakness. Curiosity pulls him away from home and safety. He wants to test sin, even though he knows it is dangerous. This first step proves that evil often begins with small disobedience.

The Devil’s Presence in Human Life: In the forest, Brown meets the mysterious traveller with a serpent–like staff. This figure is the Devil. He looks like Brown’s father. It means evil is part of the human bloodline. The Devil says he has walked with Brown’s grandfather and father. This shows how evil passes from one generation to another. Brown learns that even his family history is not free from sin. The Devil says he once helped Brown’s grandfather beat a Quaker woman in Salem. The Devil also says he helped Brown’s father set fire to an Indian village during a war.

Goody Cloyse, the Minister, and Deacon Gookin: Brown feels shocked when he sees Goody Cloyse, his old teacher, greet the Devil. He whispers, 

“That old woman taught me my catechism!” 

Later, he hears that the Minister and Deacon Gookin are also going to the devil’s meeting. These people were religious leaders of Salem. Yet they,