1. The Sin of Doubt:
* Doubt in God's goodness: Brown's journey into the forest is fueled by doubt about the true nature of the people around him and the sanctity of his community. He suspects even the most pious figures of hypocrisy and hidden wickedness. This doubt leads him to question his own faith and the very existence of good.
* Doubt in his own virtue: As he witnesses the gathering of the devil's congregation, Brown begins to doubt his own capacity for righteousness. He fears that he is already a participant in the darkness, and that his journey into the woods is a confirmation of his inner corruption.
2. The Sin of Pride:
* Pride in his own righteousness: Brown enters the forest with a self-righteous attitude, believing himself to be above the temptations of the world. This pride blinds him to the possibility of his own failings and makes him vulnerable to the devil's manipulations.
* Pride in the purity of his community: Brown has a strong sense of the sanctity of his community and the righteousness of its inhabitants. This pride makes him susceptible to the devil's claims that everyone is secretly wicked, fueling his descent into doubt and despair.
3. The Sin of Fear:
* Fear of the unknown: Brown's journey into the forest is driven by a fear of what lies beyond the familiar and the possibility of his own damnation. This fear clouds his judgment and makes him susceptible to the devil's influence.
* Fear of losing his faith: Brown's fear of losing his faith is central to the story. As he witnesses the supposed wickedness of his community, he fears that he will be condemned to eternal damnation. This fear drives him to the brink of despair.
4. The Sin of Misjudgment:
* Misjudging the people around him: Brown's experience in the forest leads him to misjudge the people in his community, believing that even the most pious are secretly sinners. This misjudgment ultimately poisons his relationships and leads to a life of distrust and isolation.
* Misjudging the nature of the devil: Brown's encounters with the devil are not necessarily encounters with an objective evil force, but rather with his own internal demons. The devil serves as a manifestation of Brown's own doubts and fears.
Ultimately, the sin in "Young Goodman Brown" is not simply a single act but rather a complex interplay of doubt, pride, fear, and misjudgment. The story suggests that these sins can lead to a dangerous and destructive path of despair and isolation.