One major theme of this text is that one must make a consistent effort to keep their faith, or else they might lose it. Goodman Brown feels that he can put down and pick up his faith whenever it suits him, and the story's events show that this is not true. As he leaves home and his wife, Faith, behind, he feels somewhat guilty, knowing that she'd be horrified by what he is going to do. Then he thinks, "after this one night, I'll cling to her skirts and follow her to Heaven." Faith, his wife, represents Christian faith in general, and he chooses to leave both her and it behind, planning to return to her arms (and God's fold) the next day. However, faith is not meant to be convenient, and Goodman Brown's inconsistent commitment to his faith (and his Faith, who he knows would be upset by his errand) results in his total loss of it (and of her, as she no longer brings him any joy after this night).
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