Goodman Brown in the story “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne takes a journey into the woods to meet a stranger who ultimately changes his life. His blind faith in his religion makes him believe that all people are good. Goodman Brown is a trusting and naive man at the beginning of the story, but he witnesses a witches' ceremony that drastically changes his personality. Seeing his family and neighbors take part in the sinful act changes his outlook on life and also his outlook on their personalities. Brown's blind faith in people and his naivety mean that the shock of what he sees in the woods turns him into a paranoid and mistrustful man. Young Goodman Brown goes from being overly confident to becoming a paranoid and mistrustful man. Once Goodman Brown arrives at his destination and walks with the stranger, they begin to talk about Goodman Brown's family and how they traveled the same path he is now, however Goodman Brown refuses to believe the traveler: "'I wonder that have never spoken of these matters. Or, in truth, I am not surprised, […] We are a people of prayer” (621). Goodman Brown says he “is amazed” at what the stranger said and insists that his family is a family of prayer and holiness. He later states that he "is amazed that he did not express his disbelief at the stranger's statement." to his religion lead Goodman Brown to believe that no harm can be done. He has the same reaction when he sees the minister and the deacon of his village in the woods, discussing the meeting they are going to: "'besides several Indian powows. , who, in their own way, know almost as much devilry as the best of us." ' […] Young Goodman Brown clings to a tree for support... middle of paper... in the woods transforms him from a man overly trusting and naive in a cynical and corrupt man. Before his life-changing journey, good man Brown is unaware of all the sin going on around him. He believes everyone he knows is perfect and sinless. The situation changes when he takes a journey through the forest. His eyes are open somewhat, but perhaps too wide. Goodman Brown becomes paranoid about everyone in the village, including his wife Faith. He also becomes corrupt and unable to concentrate on his religious activities which he has always done before. Basically, faith is something that Brown gave freely to anyone but, rather, should be given in moderation. Works Cited Biancospino, Nathaniel. "Young Goodman Brown" The Norton Anthology of American Literature. vol. I. Shorter seventh edition. Ed. Nina Baym. New York: W. W. Norton and Co., 2008. 620-629. Press.