- 1. The Life and Times of Cotton Mather by Kenneth Silverman is a comprehensive biography that intricately explores the complex life of one of New England's most controversial figures, Cotton Mather, a prominent minister, author, and pamphleteer during the 17th century. Silverman delves into Mather's puritanical upbringing in a world shaped by religious fervor and intellectual turbulence, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of the societal norms and conflicts that influenced Mather's thoughts and writings. The biography not only recounts Mather's significant contributions to the early American colonies—such as his role in the Salem Witch Trials and his advocacy for the smallpox inoculation—but it also critically examines the contradictions in his character, portraying him as both a zealous witch-hunter and a passionate proponent of science and reason. Through meticulous research and engaging prose, Silverman captures the essence of Mather’s struggles with his faith, the pressures of being a legacy figure in his family, and his efforts to navigate a rapidly changing world. The book serves as a lens through which readers can better understand the tensions between religion and rationality, as well as the historical context of early America, making it a significant contribution to both biographical literature and American history.
Who was Cotton Mather?
A) A famous poet
B) A colonial governor
C) An American politician
D) A New England Puritan minister
- 2. What is Cotton Mather best known for?
A) His role in the American Revolution
B) His poetry
C) His involvement in the Salem witch trials
D) His writings on agriculture
- 3. Which significant event was Mather associated with in 1692?
A) The English Civil War
B) The Salem witch trials
C) The signing of the Declaration of Independence
D) The Boston Tea Party
- 4. In which city did Cotton Mather primarily live and work?
A) New York
B) Boston
C) Salem
D) Philadelphia
- 5. What was the profession of Cotton Mather's father?
A) Merchant
B) Minister
C) Blacksmith
D) Lawyer
- 6. What type of literature did Mather produce?
A) Science fiction novels
B) Travel guides
C) Mystery books
D) Religious writings and histories
- 7. What illness outbreak did Mather document in Boston?
A) Cholera
B) Smallpox
C) Tuberculosis
D) Influenza
- 8. Cotton Mather was a member of which influential society?
A) The Royal Society
B) The American Philosophical Society
C) The Sons of Liberty
D) The Society of the Cincinnati
- 9. What legacy did Mather leave behind?
A) A complex view of Puritan society
B) A clear-cut view of witchcraft
C) A series of successful public policies
D) A reputation as a straightforward thinker
- 10. What legacy did Cotton Mather leave behind?
A) An unremarkable historical figure.
B) A major political leader.
C) The founder of a new religion.
D) A controversial but significant influence on American thought.
- 11. What year was Cotton Mather born?
A) 1675
B) 1650
C) 1663
D) 1685
- 12. Which of Mather's works focused on the significance of the witches' trials?
A) The Bible
B) Magnalia Christi Americana
C) The New England Primer
D) Wonders of the Invisible World
- 13. Mather's view on the relationship between science and religion was:
A) He saw them as complementary
B) He ignored science entirely
C) He believed they were contradictory
D) He was strictly a scientist
- 14. When did Cotton Mather die?
A) 1700
B) 1732
C) 1715
D) 1728
- 15. What role did Mather take during the smallpox outbreak?
A) Skeptic of inoculation
B) Advocate for inoculation
C) Promised a cure
D) Ignored the outbreak
- 16. In which colony did Cotton Mather primarily work?
A) Pennsylvania
B) Virginia
C) New York
D) Massachusetts
- 17. What was one of Cotton Mather's notable contributions to literature?
A) The Federalist Papers
B) The Scarlet Letter
C) The Magnalia Christi Americana
D) Common Sense
- 18. What type of government did Cotton Mather advocate for?
A) A democracy
B) An absolute monarchy
C) A theocratic government
D) An oligarchy
- 19. Who was Cotton Mather's father?
A) Increase Mather
B) Jonathan Edwards
C) Benjamin Franklin
D) Thomas Jefferson
- 20. Cotton Mather was educated at which institution?
A) Princeton University
B) Yale University
C) Harvard College
D) Columbia University
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