Hawthorne is making a statement by implying their close connection with the Devil. The elderly man who represents/is the devil says to Goodman Brown I have been well acquainted with your family as with ever a one among the Puritans (54). The story takes place in the village of Salem, the location of the Salem Witch Trials where the Puritans accused many (women especially) of witchcraft and executed them. A group that Hawthorne examines closely throughout the story are the Puritans. Their work with the devil suggests that these individuals and the groups they represent have an evil nature about them. The elderly man claims to have worked with individuals such as deacons of churches, town selectmen, the Great and General Court (54), and the Governor. Hawthorne also uses the elderly man to make statements about certain groups in society via their relationship with him.

With the elderly man’s true nature as the Devil exposed, his coercion of Goodman Brown in the woods serves to represent the temptation of sin for Goodman Brown. Later, when the two encounter Goody Cloyse in the woods, she exclaims The devil! (55). The staff of the man which bore the likeness of a great black snake (54) is a reference to the Devil’s portrayal as a snake in biblical contexts. While the traveler was about fifty years old (53), he later states he helped grandfather, the constable (54) which suggests an ageless quality about him. Hawthorne implements many other techniques, both implicit and explicit, to expose the elderly man’s true nature as the Devil. Hawthorne uses this line to foreshadow who this man really is. He exclaims What if the devil himself should be at my very elbows! (53) right before encountering the man.

Goodman Brown sets out to meet a man in the woods for some evil purpose (53) which is left unexplained.

Through Faith, Hawthorne is able to communicate how Goodman Brown’s relationship with his faith transforms throughout the story. Lines where Faith and faith are interchangeable further this connection such as is there any reason why I should quit my dear Faith (56), My Faith is gone! (59), and But where is Faith? (60). This brings attention to the meaning behind her name so that in future uses, the reader can gain further insight into what Hawthorne is really trying to say. As she is first introduced, Hawthorne makes this clear to the reader through the line Faith, as the wife was aptly named (52). Goodman Brown’s wife, Faith, represents his faith throughout the story. “The Transformation of Goodman Brown in Young Goodman Brown”

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