Young Goodman Brown Vs The Rocking Horse Winner

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Rachel Krug

Professor’s name

Class

Young Goodman Brown vs. The Rocking-Horse Winner

Thesis statement: in what ways the two stories "The Rocking-Horse Winner" and "Young Goodman Brown" are similar and different between each other. How the setting of "The Rocking-Horse Winner" and "Young Goodman Brown" is similar and how is different. Thus, the major focus is paid to the similarities and differences between these two stories in the setting from a fictional point of view.

Outline:

Introductory Paragraph

What are the settings of these stories?

Where do both stories take place?

When do both stories take action?

What is the atmosphere of these two stories?

Are the characters influenced by the story’s atmosphere?

Are there any similarities and differences of atmosphere between the above-mentioned stories?

Concluding Paragraph

It is critical to take into account the settings of "The Rocking-Horse Winner" and "Young Goodman Brown" when considering the similarities and differences between these two stories.

Talking about the setting of "Young Goodman Brown," it is possible to say that the story clearly provides the information on the historical insight into the major characters and their lifetime activities. Thus, "Young Goodman Brown" takes place in the 17th century during the Puritan Time Period. He lives in the Salem Village, Massachusetts near the old heathen forest. This information gives the reader an idea about deviltry and isolation because at that time the Salem Village was associated with things, which were not connected to Christianity or some other "good" things. In addition, the forest setting (wild and heathen) supports the idea of evil and witchcraft that pervades the story. In this case, the forest setting is a symbol of the devil’s abode. At that time, it was believed that the woods were the devil’s habitat.

On the other hand, "The Rocking-Horse Winner" does not provide the reader with the clear information (date or time) on the story. We can just know that the story takes place in England immediately after World War I. The places where the story took place include only a home in an unknown location (near or in London), Lincolnshire, London’s Richmond Park, and Hampshire County. In addition, the author of the story tells about the major races in England that were held in Liverpool, Surrey, South Yorkshire, and more.

Focusing our attention on the setting of "Young Goodman Brown," it is possible to say that it presents a gloomy atmosphere where horrid sounds, perverted stones, clouds and awful images of trees bring the reader to a horrible and dark atmosphere, which pervades the story. Brown walks into "…the woods, but then soon crosses the border into Allegoryland where witches and wizards fly through the night to attend a Black Sabbath" (Graham 70). In this case, danger becomes very real because of an atmosphere of suspicion and fear.

In contrast to "Young Goodman Brown", the atmosphere of "The Rocking-Horse Winner" is not so much gloomy and dark. In turn, the story’s atmosphere is relatively tense due to the fact that Paul is eager to become lucky in order to help his mother since she states that her husband (his father) does not satisfy her major needs and expectations. Additionally, he is unlucky, and thus, makes her unlucky as well. Therefore, Paul decides to become lucky in order to assist his mother and make her happy. As he experiences the lack of love, in return, he expects to receive some type of love from a mother. Moreover, the story deals with how Paul’s parents, especially her mother obsess with material wealth rather than showing true love to her children. She is greatly obsessed with money, very greedy and irresponsible. This story clearly shows a certain lifestyle where persons are more concerned about money that symbolizes the lack of love and affection. Throughout the story, we can see how Paul is eager to help her mother even to the point where he loses his own life. All these facts make the story’s atmosphere bitter and sympathetic. In turn, Ege admits that "The Rocking-Horse Winner" "…contains the fairy-tale atmosphere of imagination" (47). Supporting this point of view, it is possible to say that the story truly includes fairy-tale elements and "opens with the singsong voice of a fairy tale" (Ege 43).

However, both characters are affected by the atmosphere that influences their behaviors and attitudes (for instance, making them emotional or creating a mood of fear). The major similarity of atmosphere between these two stories is that both ones have a fantastic and mysterious atmosphere. For instance, in "The Rocking-Horse Winner," Paul has a spiritual gift and is able to hear an unknown voice, which tells him the name of the next horse that will win the race. In turn, Brown communicates with the devil, who reads him preaching about wicked priests and stewards, convincing him that every person is sinful from his or her birth.

Taking the above-mentioned information into consideration, it is possible to draw a conclusion that the two observed stories have some things in common in respect of the setting and atmosphere. These are the two powerful and instructive stories, which show the readers that the love of money is a destructive force, as well as the relationship with the evil may lead to a loss of confidence and social isolation.