- 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 colonial governor
B) A New England Puritan minister
C) An American politician
D) A famous poet
- 2. What is Cotton Mather best known for?
A) His poetry
B) His writings on agriculture
C) His role in the American Revolution
D) His involvement in the Salem witch trials
- 3. Which significant event was Mather associated with in 1692?
A) The English Civil War
B) The Boston Tea Party
C) The signing of the Declaration of Independence
D) The Salem witch trials
- 4. In which city did Cotton Mather primarily live and work?
A) Boston
B) Philadelphia
C) Salem
D) New York
- 5. What was the profession of Cotton Mather's father?
A) Minister
B) Blacksmith
C) Merchant
D) Lawyer
- 6. What type of literature did Mather produce?
A) Mystery books
B) Travel guides
C) Science fiction novels
D) Religious writings and histories
- 7. What illness outbreak did Mather document in Boston?
A) Tuberculosis
B) Cholera
C) Smallpox
D) Influenza
- 8. Cotton Mather was a member of which influential society?
A) The American Philosophical Society
B) The Society of the Cincinnati
C) The Sons of Liberty
D) The Royal Society
- 9. What legacy did Mather leave behind?
A) A series of successful public policies
B) A complex view of Puritan society
C) A clear-cut view of witchcraft
D) A reputation as a straightforward thinker
- 10. What legacy did Cotton Mather leave behind?
A) A major political leader.
B) An unremarkable historical figure.
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) 1685
C) 1650
D) 1663
- 12. Which of Mather's works focused on the significance of the witches' trials?
A) The New England Primer
B) Magnalia Christi Americana
C) Wonders of the Invisible World
D) The Bible
- 13. Mather's view on the relationship between science and religion was:
A) He believed they were contradictory
B) He saw them as complementary
C) He ignored science entirely
D) He was strictly a scientist
- 14. When did Cotton Mather die?
A) 1732
B) 1715
C) 1728
D) 1700
- 15. What role did Mather take during the smallpox outbreak?
A) Ignored the outbreak
B) Skeptic of inoculation
C) Promised a cure
D) Advocate for inoculation
- 16. In which colony did Cotton Mather primarily work?
A) Pennsylvania
B) Massachusetts
C) New York
D) Virginia
- 17. What was one of Cotton Mather's notable contributions to literature?
A) The Federalist Papers
B) The Magnalia Christi Americana
C) The Scarlet Letter
D) Common Sense
- 18. What type of government did Cotton Mather advocate for?
A) An absolute monarchy
B) A democracy
C) A theocratic government
D) An oligarchy
- 19. Who was Cotton Mather's father?
A) Benjamin Franklin
B) Increase Mather
C) Jonathan Edwards
D) Thomas Jefferson
- 20. Cotton Mather was educated at which institution?
A) Columbia University
B) Princeton University
C) Yale University
D) Harvard College
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