Topic > Point of view in Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown"

Index IntroductionFirst aspect: third-person limited point of viewSecond aspect: unreliable narratorThird aspect: interventions of the omniscient narratorConclusionBibliographyIntroductionWhat makes a story engaging and memorable? A crucial element is the point of view from which the narrative is told. Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown" is no exception. This dark and enigmatic tale explores the journey of a young man named Goodman Brown as he delves into the depths of his soul and faces the darkness that resides within himself and his community. By examining the point of view employed by Hawthorne, we can gain deeper insight into the themes and symbolism of the story. This essay will analyze point of view in "Young Goodman Brown" and its effects on the reader's interpretation of the narrative. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay First Look: Third-Person Limited Point of View The story "Young Goodman Brown" is predominantly told from a third-person limited point of view, meaning the reader sees the events unfold through Goodman Brown's perspective . This choice of point of view allows the reader to experience the story alongside the protagonist, sharing his confusion, fear and moral dilemmas. By aligning the reader's perspective with that of Goodman Brown, Hawthorne creates a sense of empathy and immersion. For example, the narrator states, "Young Goodman Brown went out at dusk into the street in Salem village; but he cast his head back, after crossing the threshold, to exchange a parting kiss with his young wife" (Hawthorne) . This close proximity to the protagonist's thoughts and feelings intensifies the psychological impact of the story, drawing the reader deeper into the narrative. Second Thing: Unreliable Narrator Although the story is told primarily from a limited third-person point of view, it is important to note that the narrator of "Young Goodman Brown" is unreliable. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the interpretation of events. Throughout the story, the narrator presents Goodman Brown's thoughts and perspectives without explicitly stating their source, leaving room for ambiguity and divergent interpretations. This ambiguity can be seen in the following passage: “Had Goodman Brown fallen asleep in the forest and only dreamed a wild dream of a meeting of witches?” (Hawthorne). The use of the conditional "had" indicates uncertainty, prompting the reader to question the narrator's reliability and consider alternative explanations for the events described. Third aspect: the interventions of the omniscient narrator While the story mainly uses a limited third-person point of view, there are cases in which an omniscient narrator intervenes, providing further insights and comments. These interventions serve to guide the reader's interpretation and deepen understanding of the story's themes. For example, the narrator observes, “It was strange to see that the good did not turn away from the wicked, nor were sinners humbled by the saints” (Hawthorne). By offering this broader perspective, the omniscient narrator encourages readers to reflect on the hypocrisy and moral ambiguity inherent in human nature. These interventions also highlight the narrator's authority and control over the story, further emphasizing themes of judgment and self-reflection. Conclusion In conclusion, the point of view in Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown" plays a crucial role in shaping the reader's understanding and interpretation of the story. the narrative. The limited point of view in third.. 568-577.