"Young Goodman Brown" (1835) is a short story by American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne. The story takes place in 17th century Puritan New England, a common setting for Hawthorne's works, and addresses the Calvinist/Puritan belief that humanity exists in a state of depravity, exempting those who are born in a state of grace. Hawthorne frequently attempts to expose the hypocrisy of Puritan culture in his literature. In a symbolic fashion, the story follows Young Goodman Brown's journey into self-scrutiny which results in his loss of faith.
Read more about Young Goodman Brown: Plot Summary, Background, Critical Response and Impact
Famous quotes containing the words young, goodman and/or brown:
“We live in an age when to be young and to be indifferent can be no longer synonymous. We must prepare for the coming hour. The claims of the Future are represented by suffering millions; and the Youth of a Nation are the trustees of Posterity.”
—Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881)
“I am now of all humors that have showed themselves humors
since the old days of goodman Adam to the pupil age of this
present twelve o’clock at midnight.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“they are brown and soft,
And liable to melt as snow.”
—Hart Crane (1899–1932)