Young Goodman Brown

the long version

An outstanding tale of witchcraft, the story concerns a young Puritan who ventures into the forest to meet with a stranger. It soon becomes clear that he is approaching a witches' Sabbath; he views with horror prominent members of his community participating in the ceremonies. Ultimately Brown is led to a flaming altar where he sees his wife, Faith. He cries out to her to "resist" and suddenly finds himself alone among the trees. He returns home but loses forever his faith in goodness or piety.