This essay explores Nathaniel Hawthorne's usage of symbolism and foreshadowing in his short story "Young Goodman Brown".

Young Goodman Brown is written as a journey of internal conflict, where Brown is oblivious to his role and sins. This work contains wicked and evil components, and Nathaniel Hawthorne leaves Brown hopeless and disconnected in his life. Hawthorne does not allow Brown to rise above his fears and leaves Brown incognizant of what he is doing. Hawthorne uses subtle symbolism and foreshadowing throughout his story providing many layers and levels at which the story …

…contact with including his wife. He loses "faith" in the goodness of all of mankind and becomes bitter and recluse. He denies the Devil to keep his "faith" in God, but in doing so he has lost his "faith" in everything and everyone else. In the end Goodman Brown has lost more than he has gained through his journey because he is now untrusting and cynical and remains so for the rest of his days.