Getting lost along the way Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Various social movements have shaped society politically, economically, and religiously over the centuries. Religion in particular has had an epochal impact. During the 16th and 17th centuries, a reform movement known as Puritanism spread voraciously. The Puritans sought to take the passion of their (Protestant) religion and rewrite and equalize the faith of the entire nation. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “The Puritans believed that it was necessary to be in a covenant relationship with God to redeem oneself from one's sinful condition, that God chose to reveal salvation through preaching, and that the Holy Spirit was the energizing instrument.” of salvation." A pact is a bilateral promise between two beings. Since this word is most commonly associated with religion, it usually means a promise between a mortal being and a divine being, such as God. Reform based passionately on promises can be dangerous. There is a harsh consequence for those who break them or fail to keep them: the "sentence to hell" (Gettysburg). This movement left such a notable impression on society that it remained a topic of literary interest for authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne two hundred years later. Literature is familiar and accessible to a wide variety of readers, which serves as an effective catalyst between a nation's history and the nation itself. This shows that literature, especially fiction, serves as a metaphor for historical events. By definition, a metaphor acts as a figural representation of a literal object or concept. In writing this story, Hawthorne seeks to inform his readers that the question of wavering faith still troubles souls two hundred years after the culmination of intense religious reformation. His short story, Young Goodman Brown, is shaped by metaphors and symbolism to address this question. In the main character's case, his faith falters against his newly acquired beliefs of Puritanism. The physical journey that Goodman Brown takes in his dream is representative of his spiritual journey. As the story begins, we are introduced to Goodman Brown. His name represents all good men (or rather, those who try to be). We learn that he is newly married to his wife Faith for three months. Hawthorne's decision to name Goodman's wife makes it clear to the reader that this story will not provide a simple, literal narrative, but also a religiously symbolic one (see also: the 15th century British morality play, Everyman). Faith represents just that: Goodman's faith in God. He is a new convert to Puritanism, but he doubts his decision. This is why he decides to leave Faith and embark on an unknown errand. He is not sure that he will be able to maintain his lifelong commitment. As Goodman travels through the dark forest, he falls asleep and has a dream. In this dream, he continues his search through the forest. Before long he meets a mysterious man (the devil) who offers him his serpent staff (temptation). He treats Goodman as if he were an old friend, despite the fact that the two have never met before. He claims to be an old "friend" of the family. This is how the devil works. According to most Christian religions, the devil is charismatic and seductive in his attempts to lead the faithful into darkness and uncertainty. Goodman and the man continue their expedition and encounter familiar people like Goody Cloyse. This woman is known to be one of the most devout members of the city's church. See her wandering in the?. 2015.