Paper One: Young Goodman Brown
Symbolism and imagery, described through different settings and actions, can help
readers notice a change in pace or mood of the text. Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of the short
story “Young Goodman Brown” spreads different examples of sensory imagery and symbolism
throughout the text to indicate changes in the story, especially in regards to how it affects the
protagonist himself. Specifically, the changes in weather conditions and the setting indicate
turmoil and hardship upon the protagonist. Hawthorne describes a change in scenery, where
“The blue sky was still visible, except directly overhead, where this black mass of cloud was
sweeping swiftly northeast.” (82) Hawthorne clearly describes an upcoming change, where the
clear skies indicate peacefulness and normalcy, and the dark clouds indicate troubled times,
sadness, and anger. Young Goodman Brown’s loss of innocence is portrayed through the usage
