own becomes cynical. Goodman Brown no longer has any faith in his fellow townspeople, seeing that they have all danced with the devil at one time or another. He has lost his innocence; he has lost his faith. His self-isolation, relationship with his wife, and the inscription on his tombstone after he returned to Salem all show that the conflict had a profound effect on his life. This conflict is the theme of the story and reflects on the society of the time. A great change took place in Young Goodman Brown, and it altered his "private passion" forever....
