What is an allegory? Evaluate “Young Goodman Brown” as an allegory.

Answer

What is an allegory? Evaluate “Young Goodman Brown” as an allegory. [NU: 2020]

Or, What allegorical elements do you find in “Young Goodman Brown?” [NU: 2018]

An allegory is a story where people, places, and events stand for deeper ideas or moral truths. It has two levels: the literal story and the hidden meaning. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s (1804-1864) “Young Goodman Brown” (1835) is a perfect allegory. It is not only about a man’s walk in the forest, but about mankind’s eternal struggle with sin, faith, and hypocrisy. Through symbols and characters, Hawthorne shows how human nature hides both good and evil.

Goodman Brown as an Allegorical Figure: Goodman Brown is not only a character but a symbol. His name itself has meaning. Young stands for innocence and immaturity. Goodman means an ordinary man of society. Brown represents common humanity. He is everyman, facing the test of faith. His journey into the forest is an allegory for man’s journey into the dark side of his own soul.

Faith as Wife and Symbol of Belief: Faith is both a person and a symbol. As a wife, she waits at Salem village with pink ribbons. As a symbol, she is the Christian faith itself. When Brown leaves her, it shows how a man turns from belief to doubt. When he sees her pink ribbon fall, he cries, 

“My Faith is gone!” 

This allegorically means he loses not only his wife but also his spiritual faith and innocence.

The Forest and the Devil’s Staff: The forest in “Young Goodman Brown” is more than trees and darkness. It is a symbol of man’s inner world. It shows fear, doubt, and temptation. When Goodman Brown enters the forest, he enters the secret place of his own heart. The Devil meets him there. He carries a serpent–like staff. This staff recalls the serpent in the Garden of Eden. It is a sign of sin, deceit, and weakness. The Devil offers the staff to Brown. This means he offers temptation. The shadows, strange voices, and