Final answer:
The common endings of the stories are marked by despair and a change in the characters as they endure loss and recognize harsh truths, leading to persistent suffering and gloom in their lives.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the various texts provided, the endings engage with themes of loss, despair, and realization. Goodman Brown's story concludes with a profound impact on his life, manifesting in constant suspicions and a loss of faith. His dying hour was gloom because his experiences left him joyless and grim, disconnected from his community and unable to trust or find solace even in his own family. He carries the weight of his gloomy realization to his grave, unable to overcome the dark epiphanies of his journey. Other stories reflect similar themes of suffering and transformation after critical events. The common thread is the characters' recognition of harsh truths and their ongoing struggles with the consequences of their actions and revelations.