How can I tackle the theme of good and evil in "Young Goodman Brown"?

Clearly, the theme of good and evil and the rather porous
boarder that lies between these two states is a key theme of this tale. One way of
tackling this theme might be to look at how the Devil interprets the past actions of
Goodman Brown's family.

Like so many of Hawthorne's short
tales, this story is rich in allegorical overtones, in that it is clear that the
characters and actions stand for abstract qualities. As Goodman Brown sets off on his
journey into the woods, a "fellow-traveller" journeys with him, who it is clear is the
Devil. The journey into the forest itself has allegorical significance, as is made clear
when Goodman Brown responds to the invitation of the Devil to go deeper into the
woods:

"Too
far, too far!" exclaimed the goodman, unconsciously resuming his walk. "My father never
went into the woods on such an errand, nor his father before him. We have been a race of
honest men and good Christians since the days of the martyrs; and shall I be the first
of the name of Brown that ever took this path and
kept-"

It is clear then that
Goodman Brown is proud and convinced of his own "goodness", as represented by his name,
for he, in his own imaginings, at least, is a "good man." The journey into the woods,
therefore, is representative of engaging with evil. However, note how the Devil responds
to this protestation of goodness:

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"Such company, thou wouldst say," observed the
elder person, interpreting his pause. "Well said, Goodman Brown! I have been as well
acquainted with your family as with ever a one among the Puritans; and that's no trifle
to say. I helped you grandfather, the constable, when he lashed the Quaker woman so
smartly through the streets of Salem; and it was I that brought your father a
pitch-pine knot, kindled at my own hearth, to set fire to an Indian village, in King
Philip's war. They were my good friends, both; and many a pleasant walk have we had
along this path, and returned merrily after midnight. I would fain be friends with you
for their sake."

Key to this
story, and so many of Hawthorne's tales, is the idea of the darkness of humanity,
however sinless it pretends to be. Hawthorne makes it clear that sin touches everyone,
including the supposedly "Goodman" Brown. You might find it interesting to compare this
short tale to another one of Hawthorne's gems: "The Minister's Black Veil", which
likewise touches on this theme of the universal sinfulness of humanity. Hope this helps
you with your talk. Good luck!