The phenomenon of evil is a complex and relative idea. Opinions vary on this subject. Evil can be an attribute one is born with; perhaps interpreted as mental illness or a misunderstanding of acceptable behavior and reasoning resulting in an evil act or practice. They may also be learned or commonly accepted traits in a particular society that a third party may not recognize or agree with. These considered ideas can be attributed to someone who performs or practices evil acts. Although many aspects of this topic are potentially up for debate, a few in particular will be discussed using the knowledge of two authors: Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne, using their literary works "The Cask of Amontillado" and " Young Goodman Brown,” may conclude that people are susceptible to evil and/or evil acts for a myriad of reasons. This conclusion is independently based on these two stories as they were expressed in their time. Edgar Allen Poe's story of Montresor and his thirst for revenge presents ambiguity at the beginning of the story....