Question

What is the central idea for Goodman Brown? Include two pieces of evidence and explain each quote.

A) The importance of staying faithful to one's spouse
B) The power of the Puritan community in 17th-century America
C) The loss of innocence and the realization of the inherent evil within people
D) The conflict between science and religion in the 19th century

Answer 1

The central idea of "Young Goodman Brown" is the loss of innocence and the realization of inherent evil within people.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central idea of "Young Goodman Brown" is the loss of innocence and the realization of the inherent evil within people. One piece of evidence is when Brown hears the chorus of the desert which expresses all that our nature can conceive of sin. This quote shows how Brown is confronted with the darkness that exists within humanity. Another piece of evidence is when Brown feels a loathful brotherhood with the congregation, feeling a sympathy with the wickedness in his heart. This quote demonstrates Brown's realization of the evil within himself.