English 102 10
03/09/2011
Dream or Reality?
Dreams play an important role in our lives. Dreams are an opportunity for us to experience a life with no limitations. However, not all dreams are meaningless fiction. Sometimes, a dream can be identical to everyday life. In some cases it is extremely difficult to tell the difference between a dream and reality. Throughout history, studies show that dreams provide an insight into one’s own self. Dreams can show us who we really are and what we want out of life by tapping into our subconscious mind. They have the ability to be inspirational, life changing, and revealing. Certain aspects of the story “Young Goodman Brown” lead us to believe that he is merely dreaming.
The fact is that Young Goodman Brown does have a life changing experience in the forest, but it doesn’t necessarily mean he was enduring it. It is learned throughout the story that Young Goodman Brown is a good Christian. After setting off on his journey he reconsiders his decision and tries to return home. Upon meeting the old man in the forest, Young Goodman Brown apologizes for being late by saying “Faith kept me back a while” (Hawthorne, 392). By “Faith” our first instinct is to think of his wife trying to keep him from going. However, Young Goodman Brown is referring to not only his wife, but his faith as well. Being held back by faith is a sign that he is weary of this journey already. Young Goodman Brown also exclaims, “Too far, too far” (Hawthorne, 392) upon walking deeper into the forest. As he reflects on his father and grandfather being good people of prayer, he shows more resistance to this journey. It seems as though he only further travels because of pure curiosity. One of the biggest hints however, that Young Goodman Brown is a good Christian is when he decides to travel no further and rests by the tree. Not only is this a hint of him being a good Christian,...