Topics and Questions: "Young Goodman Brown"

Please note that the full text of the story can be found online. See the right hand sidebar and click on the link. It should take you to the story and you can print a copy of the story to read and use in class. It might be convenient for you to number the paragraphs, to help locate passages, as referred to in class. 

Introduction: 
Are you an optimist or a pessimist?  Do you believe that men are basically good, or basically evil? Is “ignorance bliss” as the old cliché goes? Those are important ideas to consider as you read Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown.”

Bring to class any questions YOU have about the story.

DO read, consider and prepare to discuss questions  1, 2, & 4, p. 90.

What is the setting? What is significant about setting in this story?

Does it matter whether Goodman Brown’s experience was real or not? Explain.

In what way is Brown innocent when the story opens?  How does he become disillusioned?

What is the point of having the devil look like Brown?

Topic:  Do authors deliberately use symbols?

A FEW types of symbolism:

•        Name symbolism
•        Color symbolism
•        Time symbolism
•         Universal symbols
•        Story specific symbols

Explain Hawthorne’s use of language when Brown says:

•        “Faith kept me back awhile. . . “
•        “My Faith is gone!”

SAMPLE Quiz Questions:

  Is Goodman Brown a static or dynamic character? Give reason(s) for your response.

  What is Brown's ultimate conflict?

  The figure Brown meets in the wood is obviously meant to be the devil. What shape or form does the devil take in this story? WHY?

  Is the devil the antagonist or does he serve as a catalyst to arouse conflict in Brown? Explain.

  What does the darkness of the wood suggest? How does this contribute to the ambiguity Brown faces?

  NOTE: There will be SOME straightforward questions on the quiz, but many will require additional thought; expect some 2-part questions. In that way, you can receive part credit.