Hawthorne’s story is an allegory—a story that reveals hidden meaning and morals—about religious hypocrisy in Puritan New England at the time of the Salem Witch Trials. It is a cautionary tale that explores the dark side of human behavior and sin. The most sinful individuals are those who follow the devil, and they continually lure those who are good, in this case the Puritans who are tasked with maintaining a sin-free society. Hawthorne illustrates that despite following Puritan teachings, even the most faithful individuals are lured to evil, and if they resist, evil will come to them. Though the Puritans seek to dispel individuals “possessed” by the devil, the story suggests that they are as vulnerable to evil as those who willingly follow it. Alternatively, people who question their faith are destined to live an unfulfilling and miserable life.

Goodman Brown loves his wife Faith and is prepared to “cling to her skirts and follow her to Heaven” (1) upon his return. The central conflict, however, is established in the opening paragraphs. Brown wants to remain with Faith, but he is compelled to enter the wilderness on a secret errand that tests his faith in religion and in his community.