What Does the Pink Ribbon Signify?

Answer

What does the pink ribbon signify? 

In the story “Young Goodman Brown” (1835) by Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864), the pink ribbon has a deep meaning. The ribbon belongs to Goodman Brown’s wife, Faith. It appears several times and becomes a powerful symbol.

Innocence and Purity: The pink ribbon represents Faith’s innocence and purity. At the beginning of the story, as Goodman Brown leaves for his journey, Faith’s pink ribbons flutter in the wind. The ribbons show her youthful and pure nature. Hawthorne describes Faith’s naivety with the pink. He says,

…letting the wind play with the pink ribbons of her cap,…

It emphasizes Faith’s innocence. Goodman Brown sees his wife as a symbol of virtue, and the pink ribbon highlights this belief.

The Loss of Faith: As the story progresses, the pink ribbon changes its meaning. When Goodman Brown is deep in the dark forest, he hears voices and sees a pink ribbon fluttering from the sky. He cries out,

My Faith is gone!

This ribbon falling from the sky symbolizes Goodman Brown losing trust in his wife and goodness. He believes that Faith has joined the devil’s conference.

Symbol of Doubt and Despair: In the end, whether the events were real or a dream, the pink ribbon continues to haunt Goodman Brown. The once innocent ribbon now stands for doubt and despair. The simple symbol signifies Goodman Brown’s lost belief in goodness and purity. Once joyful, the pink ribbon symbolizes a toxic world full of deception.

In conclusion, the pink ribbon in “Young Goodman Brown” is a key symbol that transforms from purity to despair. It shows how Goodman Brown’s trust and innocence are destroyed as he faces evil. This tiny object is significant. It reflects the entire change in Goodman Brown’s life.