Year of Wonders Essays
6 samples in this category
First person narrators often serve as important additions to texts. This is the case in Geraldine Brooksâ Year of Wonders, where the intelligent, authentic voice of the central character Anna Frith added significantly to the story as she described places and people with reliability and consistency. Her balanced views and commentary on her own torrent of emotion throughout the plague year give readers an insight into the plague not replicable by third person writing, and her vivid descriptions of literary...
2 Pages
992 Words
Within the Puritan society of the seventeenth century, the fear of the Devil fueled the actions of individuals; this idea is reflected in two significant works of literature, A Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks and The Crucible by Arthur Miller. This idea of devilish influence is exemplified by the actions of Josiah Bont (for Brooks) and Abigail Williams (for Miller). On the contrary, the virtuous character of Reverend Hale in The Crucible contradicts this common trait of personal expediency....
3 Pages
1187 Words
Crisis inevitably comes with anguish and grief, but it is possible for positive outcomes to stem from such events. The plague year in Geraldine Brooksâ âYear Of Wondersâ is a primary example of this phenomenon, as we see devastation unfold that is laced with the brightness of exceptional characters. Despite the deaths of almost a third of the villagers and the near crippling grief experienced by those remaining, the positive transformations and extraordinary strength and positivity seen in certain characters,...
2 Pages
957 Words
Arthur Millerâs allegorical play, âThe Crucible, and Geraldine Brooksâs work of historical fiction, âYear of Wondersâ, explore how religious despotism engenders fear and suppression within communities, as well as the adverse impacts such feelings can incite. As the religious ethos of the seventeenth century transitioned from pagan-inflected control to puritanical theocracy, fear and suppression become much more prevalent in society, and were used as a form of subjugation. This is evident in the events that occur in both texts, and...
2 Pages
1125 Words
Humankind has the capacity to show extraordinary strength and compassion in times of catastrophe. Michael Mompellion in Geraldine Brooksâ âYear of Wondersâ is a primary example of such a person, as despite his misguided religious beliefs he possesses a steely determination and desire to help those in need that renders his actions throughout the plague year commendable. Michael takes on the role of leader in the plague year, a job that comes with much hardship and despair. It is he...
2 Pages
756 Words
Arthur Millerâs play The Crucible and Geraldine Brooksâ novel Year of Wonders are both works that explore the treatment of individuals under oppressive theocratic ruling. Both Millerâs and Brooksâ works are aligned with key themes of superstition, suspicion of witchcraft, and unknown cause of diseases which lead the communities to unravel and fraction in 1660âs Salem and Eyam. Brooksâ novel Year of Wonders exemplifies the manifestation of female power contoured against theocratic standard, creating religious boundaries, whereas Miller illustrates the...
2 Pages
850 Words