?Young Goodman Brown? is a story about a Puritan's dream of predetermination written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Ms. Buehler stated in class that most Puritans dreamed about predetermination and whether they were chosen for Heaven or Hell. Puritan belief in predetermination is,God decided who would be saved or damned before the beginning of history? (Wu). Some question if Goodman dreamed of, or truly met, Satan. Young Goodman Brown? was nothing more then a dream.
At the time in which this story was set, Puritans lived with the stress of predetermination. Witch trials were still fresh in Puritan minds, and religious hypocrisy added to their stressful existence. Puritans prayed, calling their actions hypocrisy in their Divine Support Prayer. (Bennett) Mental stress could have been cause for Goodman to dream, and believe it to be reality. Imagination can cause us to believe something is real, even if it is not. .
People have been known to think a dream was real. Proof of such was presented by Ms. Buehler, who relayed a phone call from her mother. Ms. Buehler's mother called after having a dream. Although her mother realized it was a dream, she stated it felt so real she needed to yell at her. Goodman had a similar experience during his dream,He could have well-nigh sworn that the shape of his own dead father beckoned him to advance?? (Charters 316). Such a vision is possible in dreams and hallucinations.
A pink ribbon plays a vital role in Goodman's dream. Goodman's wife, Faith, wears a cap adorned with pink ribbons, which represent his faith. During the journey in the woods, Goodman hears Faith's voice coming from a cloud overhead. He calls out to her in desperation. Although she doesn't respond, a pink ribbon flutters down, landing on a branch. At that moment he exclaims,My Faith is gone!? (Charters 314). This symbolizes the loss of his religious faith. Upon his return to town, in the morning, his wife's cap is once again adorned with pink ribbons.
