The wonders of the invisible world summary
“Wonders of the Invisible World” by Cotton Mather
Wonders of the Hidden World is a book written by Cotton Mather, published in 1693, right after the Salem Witch trials. The objective of the book was to defend the role Cotton Mather played in the trials and is based on the man’s faith of witchcraft being real and perpetrated by evil powers. The book first sets the premise that witchcraft was real and the reason it appeared in the colony being that the Devil seeks to strike upon the pious (Hennessy 2012). Mather utilizes quotations from the Bible incessantly in order to justify all the premises of witch hunts, often misinterpreting the interpretation to his advantage.
When discussing the cases Mather was present at, he makes an appeal to the legality of the event. He quotes the testimonies of various witnesses who claim that they have been bitten, drowned, and choked to sign a book or a contract of some sort (Hennessy 2012). The witnesses claimed they were assaulted by a shadow in the shape of the woman, Bridget Bishop (Hennessy 2012). Other evidence and witnesses claimed that Mrs. Bishop had a supernatural third teat, that she commanded demons that destroyed parts of
The Wonders of the Invisible World
“The Bad Thing” is the first story in the book. A couple moves to the country so the husband can work on the children’s book he’s been commissioned to illustrate. They complained about the city, but now they complain about the country, and both behave poorly. The husband smokes even though he promised he would quit, and the wife drinks despite being pregnant.
In “Star Baby,” a gay man named Billy agrees to care for his young nephew while his sister goes through drug rehab. Billy is worried that he will be perceived as a child molester because of his sexual orientation and the boy’s age. Initially, Billy is determined to continue his liberated lifestyle, but he slowly gives up the singles scene to concentrate on caring for his nephew.
In “The Wonders of the Invisible World,” an unnamed man deals with a possibly pregnant girlfriend and his lost clarinet, a valuable instrument. As he narrates his attempts to locate
Wonders of the Invisible World
The novel opens with the return of Jarrod, a boy who claims to know Aidan Lockwood, the protagonist of the story. Aidan has been living a relatively peaceful life on his family's farm; they have lived on the same property in Temperance, Ohio for generations, and Aidan feels he belongs there. However, when Jarrod arrives, Aidan begins to wonder about his connection to this boy he can't recall having met before. Jarrod claims that he and Aidan were best friends as children, and that Jarrod had to leave town after a series of incidents with visions that unsettled everyone living in Temperance.
Jarrod has been living in a
The Wonders of The Invisible World: a Comprehensive Summary and Analysis
Table of contents
- The Context: A Time of Turmoil
- The Structure: A Blend of Logic and Faith
- The Role of Women: A Disturbing Reality
- Legacy: Lessons for Today
- Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
When we dive into the realm of literature and history, we often uncover fascinating perspectives that challenge our understanding of the world. One such piece is "The Wonders of the Invisible World" by Cotton Mather, written in 1693. This text not only provides insight into the Puritan mindset but also serves as a commentary on the social and spiritual upheavals of its time, particularly in relation to the Salem witch trials. So, let’s explore this remarkable work and unpack its key themes and significance.
Say no to plagiarism.
Get a tailor-made essay on
'The Wonders of The Invisible World: a Comprehensive Summary and Analysis'
Get original essay
The Context: A Time of Turmoil
To truly appreciate Mather's writings, we need to consider the historical backdrop against which they were produced. The late 17th century in New England was marked by paranoia, fear, and religious fervor. The Salem witch
The Wonders of the Invisible World
Digital History ID 59
Author: and Cotton Mather
Date:1693
Annotation:
Most people in the early modern world believed in the existence of witches who gained supernatural power by signing a pact with Satan. The Salem witch trials were not a unique event. In continental Europe, where witch hunts were much more common than in America, thousands of people were executed, often isolated and impoverished older women who were regarded as a drain on community resources. As late as 1787, outside of Independence Hall where the framers were drafting the U.S. Constitution, a Philadelphia mob killed an accused witch.
In the half century before the Salem trials, more than 80 people were put on trial for witchcraft in Massachusetts and Connecticut alone. During the seventeenth century, some 32 people were executed for witchcraft in the American colonies.
What was unique about the Salem witch trials was the number of people who were accused and convicted. In previous witch trials, judges had imposed high standards of proof which resulted in a majority of the accused being ac