Question

Was Brown's experience in the forest real, or was it imaginary?

A.It was a dream, -- a terrifying nightmare.
B.It was imaginary.
C.It was real.
D.The story does not make that clear as it is insignificant.

Answer 1

Goodman Brown's experience in the story is ambiguous, with hints of the supernatural and psychological suggesting it may be imaginary. The narrative ends on an uncertain note, leaving readers to question the reality of the events.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question about whether Goodman Brown's experience in the forest was real or imaginary is one that permeates through the entirety of Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story. Throughout the tale, there are instances which suggest elements of the supernatural and psychological horror that could point to the experience being a dream or a hallucination. Moreover, the narrative's ambiguous nature and the surreal events that unfold in the story often lead readers to question the reality of Goodman Brown's journey. The final passage of the cited text, 'Was it a vision, or a waking dream?' further emphasizes the ambiguity and suggests that even the main character may not be sure of the reality of his experience.