Final answer:
The pink ribbon in 'Young Goodman Brown' symbolizes innocence and purity, particularly of Goodman Brown's wife, Faith. Its falling during the witches' gathering represents the loss of innocence and Goodman Brown's ensuing despair and distrust in humankind.
Step-by-step explanation:
Symbolism of the Pink Ribbon in Young Goodman Brown
The pink ribbon in Nathaniel Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown is a pivotal symbol loaded with multiple layers of meaning. Within the context of the story, the ribbon belongs to Goodman Brown's wife, Faith, and is seen fluttering down from the sky after what appears to be a witches' Sabbath in the woods. The symbolism of the pink ribbon is complex; on one level, it represents the innocence and purity associated with Faith, both the character and the concept. The color pink itself often symbolizes health and well-being, as shown through its association with breast cancer awareness. However, in the story, when Goodman Brown sees the ribbon fall from the sky during the witches' gathering, it suggests the potential loss of innocence and the possibility that even the purest of hearts, represented by his wife, Faith, can be corrupted. The presence of the ribbon at such a dark moment further symbolizes the dichotomy between the perceived purity of Goodman Brown's wife and the sin he believes she has committed by being at the Sabbath. It thus also represents Goodman Brown's shattered illusions and the beginning of his lifelong despair and distrust. Hawthorne uses this symbolism to convey deeper themes of doubt and the loss of faith in humankind.