Here's why the resolution is ambiguous:
* The ending is left open: Goodman Brown returns home disillusioned and skeptical, questioning the faith and goodness of everyone around him. He lives out his life with a sense of despair, never fully recovering from his encounter in the forest.
* The nature of the encounter is unclear: We're left to wonder whether the events in the forest were real or simply a product of Goodman Brown's own troubled mind.
* Goodman Brown's faith is never explicitly restored: The story ends without any clear indication of whether he ever finds his faith again or if he simply learns to live with his disillusionment.
Possible interpretations of the resolution:
* Complete loss of faith: Goodman Brown's journey represents a complete loss of innocence and faith, leaving him cynical and distrustful of everyone.
* A journey of doubt: The story highlights the struggles of faith and the temptations that lead to doubt and disillusionment. However, it leaves open the possibility for redemption.
* A commentary on hypocrisy: The story could be interpreted as a commentary on the hypocrisy and hidden sins that exist within society, even among those who appear devout.
The ambiguity of the resolution is what makes the story so powerful. It compels readers to engage with the complex themes of faith, doubt, and human nature and to form their own interpretations.