What is one of the themes of “Young Goodman Brown?” How do you know? Write a thematic statement, not a thematic idea.
One of the themes of "Young Goodman Brown" is the inherent evil in humanity and the corrupting influence of sin.
This is evident through the way the protagonist, Goodman Brown, becomes disillusioned and distrustful of the people in his community after witnessing their participation in a satanic ritual in the forest. The theme is further reinforced when Goodman Brown realizes that even his own wife, Faith, is not exempt from the corrupting influence of sin.
A thematic statement for this theme could be: "Throughout 'Young Goodman Brown,' Nathaniel Hawthorne emphasizes the unsettling truth that human nature is susceptible to evil and the presence of sin can corrupt individuals and society as a whole."