In "Young Goodman Brown" Nathaniel Hawthorne uses symbolism to effectively create the desired allegorical context. Having been published in 1835, the lasting effect of 17th century Puritanism played a significant role in the short story as it did in The Scarlet Letter and other works by Hawthorne as well Shoemaker. Among the most commendable aspects of Hawthorne's writing is his obscure style that allows the reader to make his own interpretations. Distinctly supporting this element, perhaps the most prominent and debatably analyzed symbol is the character Faith, the wife of Goodman Brown. While her tangible presence as a real...
pray to?'" is evidence of this newly acquired outlook on life Hawthorne 411.

"Faith," whether symbolic of the Puritans or Goodman Brown's faith in God, is the most allegorically intricate character in "Young Goodman Brown," even more so than Goodman Brown himself. Hawthorne was extremely effective at portraying the evil-nature of humans as well as the hypocrisy of the Puritan lifestyle in his story. Even after almost 165 years, he is able to touch the hearts of his readers with his graphic reality. That, undoubtedly, is what makes "Young Goodman Brown" a truly proficient short story.