ng the happiness in Goodman Brown’s life. When Goodman Brown finally meets with the Devil, he declares that the reason he waslate was because "Faith kept me back awhile." This statement has a double meaning because hiswife physically prevented him from being on time for his meeting with the devil, but his faith inGod psychologically delayed him as well. After realizing what was going on, he almostimmediately declares that he no longer wishes to continue on his errand. He says that he comesfrom a "race of honest men and good Christians" and his father had never gone on this errand, norwill he ever. The Devil is quick to point out, however, that he was with his father and grandfatherwhen they were flogging a woman or burning an Indian village, respectively. This is the beginningof the doubt that clouds Goodman Brown’s mind. Stricken with doubt Goodman Brown beginsto think to himself about his situation. He thinks about his life in Salem; his loving wife, and thewonderful life he leads. “What a calm sleep would be his...in the arms of Faith!" Once again theirony. As Goodman Brown is feeling good about his strength in resisting the Devil, he hears thevoices of the minister and Deacon Gookin. He overhears their conversation, discussing a "goodlyyoung woman to be taken in to communion" that evening. Brown fears greatly that it may be hisFaith. When Goodman Brown hears this he becomes weak and falls to the ground. He "begins todoubt whether there really was a Heaven above him". Once again his faith begins to leave him, orlet him down. Yet, in panic, he declares that "With Heaven above, and Faith below, I will yetstand firm against the devil!" Again, Brown makes a promise to keep his faith unto God. Then "ablack mass of cloud" comes between Brown and the sky, as if to block his prayer from heaven. Brown now begins to hear familiar voices. A voice of a woman can be heard faintly, hebelieves this to be Faith....
