what symbols in "young goodman brown" show the theme, the rerlization that evil can affect those who seem up right
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To identify the symbols in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown" that represent the theme of the realization that evil can affect those who seem upright, you can follow these steps:
1. Read the story: Begin by reading or re-reading the short story to familiarize yourself with its plot, characters, and overall theme.
2. Identify the theme: In this case, the theme is the realization that evil can impact seemingly virtuous individuals.
3. Look for symbolic elements: Pay attention to recurring objects, actions, or characters that could carry symbolic meaning in relation to the theme. In "Young Goodman Brown," several symbols represent the corruption of good people by evil forces. Here are three key examples:
a. The Forest: The forest symbolizes the darkness and temptation that lie beyond the safe boundaries of society. As the protagonist enters the forest, he leaves behind the faith and innocence associated with his community and embarks on a journey into moral ambiguity.
b. The Devil's Serpent Staff: The serpent staff carried by the devil represents the allure of evil and the temptations that can sway even the most morally upright individuals. It is a subtle reminder that evil can permeate the outwardly righteous.
c. The Pink Ribbons: Brown's wife, Faith, wears pink ribbons, which symbolize purity and innocence. As Brown leaves for his encounter with evil, he looks back and sees a pink ribbon fall from the sky, indicating the corruption of his wife's innocence. This event further reinforces the theme that no one is immune to the influence of evil.
4. Analyze the symbolism: Once you have identified these symbols and their potential connection to the theme, analyze how they help convey the message of the story. Reflect on the ways in which the forest, the serpent staff, and the pink ribbons illustrate the danger of assuming someone's righteousness based solely on appearances.
By closely examining the story's symbols, you will be able to understand how Hawthorne communicates the theme of the realization that evil can affect those who seem upright in "Young Goodman Brown."