Final answer:
The question draws upon themes of faith, moral dilemmas, and good versus evil as depicted in American literature and historical texts, indicating that the subject matter falls under English for a high school grade.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passages provided seem to derive from a combination of historical texts and American literature that uses these historical events metaphorically.
They depict characters who face moral dilemmas, confront the concepts of good and evil, and deal with the consequences of their actions -- themes commonly addressed in English literature classes.
For instance, the references to Goodman Brown likely pertain to Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story 'Young Goodman Brown', which explores themes of faith and disillusionment with Puritan society.
On the other hand, descriptions of John Brown and the reactions to his abolitionist actions are grounded in American history, likely studied in the context of English literature to understand the socio-political environment of certain literary works.
The text also alludes to religious and moral conflicts, punctuated by a stark dichotomy of good versus evil, reminiscent of the Puritanical worldview and its representation in literature.
The references to Mr. Brown's successor, reverend James Smith, and the depiction of Joseph Smith's conflict, although initially appearing historical, are also likely drawn from church-related themes in literature that detail the clash between differing ideologies.
The passages present a nuanced examination of historical and literary figures and how they are portrayed or used allegorically in literature to convey deeper themes about society, morality, and human nature.