Hidden Desires and Social Norms in 'Young Goodman Brown': A Psychoanalytic Analysis

Abstract

Literature has provided a deep understanding of the human psyche and behavior. “Young
Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a literary work exploring the psychological
component. This study attempts to discover the conflict between hidden desires and social
norms and the anxieties and fears from a psychoanalysis point of view. This study uses
qualitative descriptive techniques to delve into the context. In addition, this study uses
Freudian Psychoanalytic which are Id, Ego, and Superego. The research contributes to the
broader field of literary analysis related to psychoanalytic theory, facilitating a deeper
understanding of the story by revealing the character’s actions. By focusing on the
protagonist’s personality traits, readers are expected to gain a comprehensive
understanding of the story's central conflict. This study is intended to engage scholars,
researchers, and students in the interpretive analysis of this short story.