Ignorence superstition and hysteria

While the plague in Geraldine Brooks’ historical novel Year of Wonders appears to be the cause of the many deaths of the towns people, the initial reactions to this catastrophe were far more deadly than the ‘foul contagion’. Throughout the novel, brooks explores the effects of ignorance, superstition and hysteria, and the violent and deadly effects they have on an unprepared society.

The village of Eyam and its town people are shown to perform acts of great stupidity and ignorance. Being set in an archaic era it is common feat among the people of the time and when face with adversity like the plague, “these harsh times make monsters of us all”. Stupidity caused much chaos in the wake of the plague, as people turned to irrationality in their panic. John Gordon, who’s guilt had eroded much of his sanity had turned to flagelence for him and his wife in order to repent. Brooks’ addition of this extreme, irrational behaviour highlights the anarchy that the plague had caused upon the village. The fledgelence is also juxtaposed with Anna and Elinor’s, pursuits of enlightment and rationality as they endlessly pursue to help care for others. John Gordon’s death portrays to the reader the notion that extreme behaviour often ends with death. The barbour surgeons also portray a sense of obliviousness as the doctor attending the Hadfield child completely dismisses Anna’s claims that he is infected with plague. Anna has to bluntly describe the vile symptoms she saw on her lodger earlier questioning the surgeons understanding of the plague. Brooks intended to show this ignorance to highlight the surgeons inability to diagnose a patient, whereas Anna, a servant recognises the deadly symptoms. Ignorence plays a small role in the accumulated death toll, accounting for the “hastened” deaths of many who’s ability of rational thoughts failed them in this time of need.

The plague divides the villagers as black magic and superstition begins to appear due to the fear brought