Goody Cloyse
The Witch
Goodman Brown encounters the character Goody Cloyse on the path through the
forest, and is fearful that he might be chastised for deviating from holiness
and seeks to hide himself. Goody Cloyse is a respected woman in the community
who teaches the youth biblical scriptures. As the story progressed it is revealed
that Goody Cloyse is a witch, in conference with the devil. Goody Cloyse is one of
many initially branded with righteousness but practices magic and attends secret
meetings in the ominous forest. Goody Cloyse was the name of an actual woman who
was tried and convicted of witchcraft during the historical Salem Witch Trials
of 1692; Hawthorne borrows her name for this character
forest, and is fearful that he might be chastised for deviating from holiness
and seeks to hide himself. Goody Cloyse is a respected woman in the community
who teaches the youth biblical scriptures. As the story progressed it is revealed
that Goody Cloyse is a witch, in conference with the devil. Goody Cloyse is one of
many initially branded with righteousness but practices magic and attends secret
meetings in the ominous forest. Goody Cloyse was the name of an actual woman who
was tried and convicted of witchcraft during the historical Salem Witch Trials
of 1692; Hawthorne borrows her name for this character