Good and evil are superficial ideas that permeate society in many ways. However, one does not have to do extensive research in order to encounter such in everyday life. For instance, at this time the world is at the verge of a war. People have different views and perceptions of the implications such event would bring to the world. Such struggle is a good example of the never-ending struggle of deciding between good and evil. As humans, we do not realize that we must find a balance between them in order to reach a positive outcome. .
In any work of literary art, there are sides of good as well as evil; one without the other does not and cannot exist. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's works, the influence of both good and evil are related to religion, sin and science; creating pieces of work that are both contemporary and complex. Likely, John Knowles's novel A Separate Peace highlights the two extremes of personalities and the idea of war as a struggle between good and evil.
One of Hawthorne's most frequently anthologized works, "Young Goodman Brown", has many sides one can explore. For instance, Hawthorne's characterization of Brown, his name clearly positions him in a society where he is a puritan who was recently accepted into the puritan family. He leaves his wife Faith for a mysterious journey into the dense woods. The connotation "Young Goodman Brown" is allegorical signifying any person. Likely allegorical, is Faith's name; the double edged name symbolizes Brown's most precious earthly possession as well as his faith which is later betrayed. Faith is unable to prevent him from partying in such journey, the devil wavers it is way into his path while he learns that evil forces drove those before him whom he thought to be "good man", as well. Physically, the devil resembles Goodman Brown and looks like all other "good" puritans. However, in all other aspects the devil is supernatural. The devil continues to attack as Brown resolves to return to his Faith.