Hawthorne uses references of “evil” to help create a visual aid for readers within the climax of the story, when Goodman maddened with despair deep within the forest, to set the setting and mood of the story. Hawthorne described the forest to be “peopled with frightful sounds; the creaking of the trees, the howling of wild beasts, and the yell of Indians; while sometimes the wind tolled like a distant church-bell giving a broad roar around the traveler.” His description of the forest gave us a better understanding of the scenario Goodman is in. Goodman in a way was hurting himself by running further into the forest. Originally Goodman kept his faith, he was determined that the devil had no chance of turning him. However he began losing himself when the voices began tauntingĀ him.Ā Out of desperation he looked up to the sky, doubting whether there really was a heaven above him. At this point Goodman lost sight to what was real or not. The evil within the forest finally managed to crack Goodman, and at any point he can completely give in and lose himself.
This sort of reminds me of McCandless death from “Into the Wild”. Not necessary for evil with supernatural events, but more about the evil and dangers of ones environment when desperate measures are taken. McCandless similar to Goodman, was put in a scenario were he questioned his ability to survive and his faith of a greater power. Because McCandless was starving, he was forced to eat wild berries that later turned out to be poisonous. However if he had waited just a couple more days with proper conservation of his supplies, McCandless might have survived. This reminds me of Goodman because, Goodman is at a point in the story were any decisions he makes might mean freedom from the devil or completely for fitting to evil. Goodman needs to push himself forward and maintain his faith even if it may seem as if he has ran out of corners to turn or places to hide.
