Final answer:
Nathaniel Hawthorne's story 'Young Goodman Brown' features a dark and skeptical tone, using irony and symbolism to discuss themes of innocence, societal pressure, and moral complexity. Hawthorne's critical stance on youth reflects the transformation of the protagonist, influenced by his experiences and society's moral failures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The authorial tone in Nathaniel Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown is one of ambiguity and an underlying sense of irony. Hawthorne's portrayal of youth, as seen through the protagonist, suggests a complex view that mixes innocence with susceptibility to corruption. Hawthorne likely possesses a critical stance on youth, perceiving it as a vulnerable period where societal norms and moral dilemmas profoundly influence one's character. By weaving a narrative that blends the real with the unreal, Hawthorne sends a message about the loss of innocence and the complexities of human nature.
The tone of the story is dark and skeptical, as evidenced by the protagonist's nightmarish journey and encounter with the seemingly diabolical. Hawthorne uses phrases depicting gloom, sin, and disillusionment to create a foreboding atmosphere that resonates with his critical view of society. Symbols such as the dark forest and the devil's assembly contribute to this tone.
As for Hawthorne's emotional attitude toward the subject, it can be inferred that he approaches Goodman Brown's struggle with both empathy and a sense of inevitability. The equilibrium between empathy and irony in Hawthorne's narrative voice emphasizes the tragic trajectory of Goodman Brown's moral descent. This method captures readers' attention, prompting reflection on the impact of societal pressures on individual morality.