Comparision Of Araby And Young Goodman Brown

Essay by PaperNerd ContributorHigh School, 10th grade July 2001

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Reality The two stories "Araby" and "Young Goodman Brown" have many points in common as well as differences. These stories deal with the realization of growing up or realization of the truth. James Joyce shows the maturing of a young boy into a man. Nathan Hawthorne tells about a man realizing the facts about his surroundings and himself. The reality of the character circumstances hits then both toward the end of each story. Comparing and contrasting the stories is shown in three main points: setting, anger, and realization.

The setting of "Araby" is North Richmond Street and the town flea market, also named in the story Araby. This is described as a quiet cove to the reader. The only time where there seems to be movement is when the school lets out during the day. The children on the street are always looking for action or excitement to provide relief from the everyday bore.

"Young Goodman Brown" is told from the Salem Village and forest where Brown takes a journey. The street is just as dull as Richmond Street without the pretty head of Faith peering out towards Brown. Faith gives the dark street some light from the eyes of Brown. The forest is given the symbol of a place of extreme evil and darkness. Also, realization comes to Brown in the forest. These two settings in the stories both give a grim cold feeling to the reader.

The anger of the two characters comes out at the ending of the stories. The young boy becomes angry at himself because he was naïve towards his relationship with Mangan's sister. He thought he was going to win her love by going to Araby and bringing her a "trophy." Then later while at...