Interpet the description of the following passage, explaining why Hawthorne uses the word "uncertain." "which bore the likeness of a great black...

, the great
Early American writer, is responsible for introducing the symbolism that became a signature
element of the American novel.  Such a symbolic presence is the old man in "" who
accompanies Goodman Brown into the forest primeval. As he leaves his wife Faith, Goodman beholds
"the figure of a man, in grave and decent attire, seated at the foot of an old tree." 
This man has a staff which "bore the likeness of a great black snake" that seems to
wriggle and twist "like a living serpent," but this could be simply a result of the
"uncertain light."

Hawthorne uses these words to reflect the
"uncertain light" of Goodman Brown's
faith.  When confronted by "he of the serpent," Goodman tells
him,

I have scruples touching the matter thou
wot'st...