He hands Goodman Brown the staff because the old man sees he is growing weary from his travels. The old man is being interpreted as the Devil helping Goodman Brown down the path of evil (54). The “Devil” guides him on a journey of darkness both physically and mentally. Goodman Brown travels into the woods and comes upon many obstacles. Goodman Brown tries to convince the old man that his father and
The entire movies is, as Shyamalan put it, a conversation between Graham and God, and Graham regaining his faith, after he realizes that his wife’s death was not in vain. But what about the underlying truth: If God had not killed his wife, then Graham would not have to question his faith. Or look at it this way: If Graham would have been a little bit stronger; he would never have left the church to begin with. One thing that is a bit hard to believe is that a Reverend would be so quick to leave his church and his congregation because of an accident. Everyone agrees that it is a terrible thing that
Unsure of what to do with the enemy soldier, Little Jess’s moral compass is tested. The young man tells Little Jess he owns no slaves and his perception of whom the enemy is alters. Even though he believes helping Roy is making him into a traitor, he continues because he likes the young soldier who never laughs at the wonderments and wishes Little Jess could never tell his older brothers. After Roy is healed and had left to travel back home, Little Jess feels as if his sins are going to make him combust. Thinking that if he goes to a Methodist meeting his sins will be washed away and he would be revived, Little Jess attendees the meeting only to just look in then leave.
Once he has worked through this painful healing process, Trueblood regains his ability to sing. With his soul cleansed and his spirit renewed, Trueblood returns to his family, seeks their forgiveness, and works to make the best of their tragic situation. After carefully considering his options and weighing the consequences, Trueblood refuses to allow his wife and daughter to obtain abortions, concluding that killing two innocent babies would only compound his sin. Thus, Trueblood demonstrates that his first priority is caring for his family, not seeking the approval of a judgmental community. Trueblood is also a shrewd man who understands the workings of the white power structure, manipulating it to his advantage.
The Road Less Taken and I Used to Live Here Once Draft ENG 125 Introduction to Literature June 11, 2012 Mostly anyone who takes a journey often reflects on some type of symbol to mark his or her accomplishment. In the two literature works, “The Road Less Taken” by Robert Frost and “I Used to Live Here Once” by Jean Rhys are classic examples of a journey that each individual will someday experience. One narrative focuses on the symbolism of making a choice and the other narrative, death. There is a similar theme; everyone in life has a journey to embark and it can either it lead to life or to death. And although both stories have a strong resemblance in theme, both authors present it very differently especially when using symbolism.
His wife Faith portrays everything that is pure and holy to Goodman Brown. Goodman Brown is at first very hesitant of his journey in the forest. However, his concern slowly weakens whenever he meets his companion, a character who appears as an image of his dark and evil side. His companion symbolizes the devil, directing him down the road of evil through the forest. He even possessed a staff, “which bore the likeness of a great black snake (246).” The snake-like appearance of the staff symbolizes the cunning and dangerous character of his companion.
His journey leads him to leave the village which is a place of light and security to the forest which is a place of darkness, dangerous and unknown destination. Brown's first step in the forest considers as a victory to the id over the superego. Brown's meeting with the old man who is the devil himself shows Brown's confusion; weather to believe the old man or not. The devil shocked Brown, when he told him that his father and his grandfather were a servant to the devil; he meant by that that is Brown's destiny too. Brown's believe that they are''…a race of honest men and good Christians… "has faded (Guerin, 303).
Goodman Brown replied, “Faith kept me back awhile” with a scared tremor in his voice. This can be related to how Faith as his belief and Faith as his wife can be used in the same connotation. • Evaluation: Goodman Brown should not have ever gone against his faith or tested his faith. He should not have stepped out on his wife Faith either. After his journey was over he started to question everything around that he once believed in.
Like a newlywed couple Brown’s trust in his spouse (Faith) is not as strong. I believe this is the reason he sets out into the forest to test his faith in God. “He had taken a dreary road, darkened by all the gloomiest trees of the forest, which barely stood aside to let the narrow path creep through, and closed immediately behind. “ Brown is describing his path to evil as dreary and dark. He knows he is heading down a road, which will leave him scarred for life.
With Arthur getting killed by Absalom, Jarvis faces great difficulty in his life and shows he is the most complex throughout the story. Jarvis giving back to the people of Ndotsheni shows empathy of his son dying and learns that tragedy is a part of life, but can be overcome by focusing on what is good in life. The journey taken by Kumalo to Johannesburg was a good decision because he learns that just because he was a priest, he is human and cannot be perfect. Stephen receives a letter from a priest named Msimangu that states “…Her name is Gertrude Kumalo, and I understand she is the sister of the Rev. Stephen Kumalo, St. Mark’s Church, Ndotsheni.