Tuesday 2 September 2008

Why is the forest the chosen setting for Goodman Brown's journey?

The
authorprobably chose the forest for its visual effect and its aura of as-yet untamed wildness.
The forest is the opposite of civilization. It is very old and full of wild creatures,
including, perhaps, wild Indians. It is a place where people would naturally go to become wild
creatures themselves. It is a place where they can hide from their town neighbors and do
anything they want. They can make as much noise as they want without being heard by anyone of
importance.

Many contemporary people like to go to the national parks in
order to get away from civilization for a while and live more primitive-type lives close to
nature. There is something very exhilarating about being among the fragrant pine needles and
tall trunks. We can all respond to Hawthorne's description of the mysterious forest, although we
do not necessarily want to indulge in devil-worshiping orgies. Most of us would like to escape
from civilization for a while and enjoy simpler lives.

We...





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