History has seen many great authors, but none more intriguing than Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne's ability to weave stories through the use of complex language and early accounts of Puritan society has long been a subject of study among scholars and young adults. “Young Goodman Brown” explores the idea of ​​good versus evil and draws many parallels with the life of Nathaniel Hawthorne. We often wonder whether man is born naturally good or bad. In “Young Goodman Brown,” it is possible to see Hawthorne’s position on this. However, before delving into this short story, it is crucial to the understanding of the story that the life of Nathaniel Hawthorne is critically analyzed. According to John Clendenning, Nathaniel was born July 4, 1804, in Salem, Massachusetts. He attended college at Bowdoin College, where he met future United States President Franklin Pierce. From this friendship, Hawthorne was transferred to England as consul, in 1846, shortly after his marriage to Sophia Peabody in 1842. Hawthorne descends from a line of staunch Puritans. This included William Hathorne, who was involved in the persecution of many Quakers during the 17th century. Additionally, William Hathorne's son, John Hathorne (Nathaniel's father), was a judge in the Salem witch trials. For this reason, Hawthorne added the "w" to his name in hopes of separating himself from the actions of his ancestors (Bomarito). This gesture is monumental when we consider Hawthorne's moral position between good and evil. By retreating from his family history, Hawthorne solidifies his views on the persecution of humans, his views on witchcraft, and his views on what truly makes a man "godly." '. Because his father and grandmother...... middle of paper...... 1804 - 1864). " Gothic Literature: A Critical Companion to Gale. Ed. Jessica Bomarito. Vol. 2: AK. Detroit: Gale, 2006. 363-386. Gale Virtual Reference Library. March 24, 2014. “Introduction”. Nathaniel Hawthorne: A Study of Short Fiction. Nancy L. Bunge New York: Twayne Publishers, 1993. 127. Twayne's Studies in Short Fiction 41. Twayne Authors on GVRL March 24, 2014. ""Young Goodman Brown." "Literature and Its Times: Profiles of 300 notable literary works and the historical events that influenced them. Joyce Moss and George Wilson. Vol. 1: From Ancient Times to the American and French Revolutions (Prehistory-1790s). Detroit: Gale , 1997 420-426. Gale Virtual Reference Library April 2, 2014. “Young Goodman Brown Library.”.. 2014.