ALLEGORY

First off, we need to determine the definitions of allegory and symbolism. The definition of allegory is "a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another" (dictionary.com). The definition of symbolism is "the practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing things with a symbolic meaning or character" (dictionary.com). The similarities with the two are that they represent something bigger than what they are perceived as. They both represent something by using another physical object or idea. The two also use either physical or concrete objects or words to represent abstract and intangible ideas. The differences of the two are that an allegory represents more of a religious or spiritual meaning. Although symbolism can also represent religion or spiritual ideas, such as having a cross symoblize the Christian faith, or the six-point star symoblize the Jewish faith, an allegory uses symbolism to carry out its purpose. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown", the allegorical context of the story allows the reader some insight into Puritan beliefs and religion. The story as a whole represents the Puritan faith and allows the reader to understand the religion without having the author preach its beliefs. This story is used as an allegory for others to understand the religion without actually understanding the religion. The reader can put the morals and the beliefs that the Puritans have just by reading this story and having a brief insight to what they don’t previously understand.