Goodman's internal conflict was brought about by his realization that he was vulnerable and can easily succumb to the temptations of the devil. Being in the wilderness did not help Goodman prevent this conflict from happening within him, since the wilderness was obviously not a part of society but of nature, therefore, the wilderness only follows the laws of nature and not the laws of humanity. The wilderness acted as the agent that opened Goodman's mind to the true feelings hidden within his heart -- that Goodman is not the faithful individual known in his community, but is actually the person who questions whether he is indeed faithful to God.

Reading "Young" for the first time, the utilization of nature as both a theme and a symbol of Goodman's loss of faith would be the main elements...

A deeper analysis of the story, though, would direct the reader to a more thorough reading of Goodman's character, in relation to his community and specifically, his wife, Faith. That is, re-reading "Young" would lead to a more different and better interpretation of Goodman as the main character of the story. While initially the story was about his loss of faith, symbolically illustrated by his confusion within the forest, the reader would eventually construe that Goodman's loss of faith was not only demonstrated through the symbol of the forest/nature, but also through the loss of Faith. This literal yet subtle 'loss of faith' would only be more meaningful if the reader had an earlier understanding of the events that led to Goodman's eventual disillusionment in the story.