Here's my essay, like I said it may be drafty.
The novel ‘Year of Wonders’ is representative of a transitional period in English history. Values embedded within society are examined primarily through the novel’s main characters. Changes in ideology occur and the plague is used as a device to explore the importance of pre-determined and traditional beliefs. The plague forces re-evaluation of prior perspectives, especially those related to God and one’s ability to define their own role as a human. ‘Year of Wonders’ shows that pre-determined influences and beliefs placed on an individual inhibit an establishment of self and personal freedom. Liberation is found somewhat by Anna and Michael after they are emancipated from the confines of a God-ruled life. Conversely the town itself as well as some characters are reliant on religious stability for their existence. A central concern in ‘Year of Wonders’ is the establishment of well-defined personal views.
Divine rule and the influence of God are restrictive. The change in interpretation of God’s will largely affects the town. The conversion of the main religion from Puritanism to Anglicanism causes deep reflection in the characters. Furthermore, the plague looks at God’s influence on the people of Eyam. The believers are prompted to question God’s motives and reassess their feelings on cosmic powers. Anna is left to think of God as unfriendly and indifferent after the apparent unfairness in the occurrences of the plague. While Mompellion tries to justify what happens and add meaning to every single event, Anna and Ellinor focus on practical alternatives. Mompellion asserts that God is preaching the notion that people should be resilient. However, it is implicit that Mompellion’s interpretation is misguided – his actions soon contrast those of the Anna and Elinor, as he becomes responsible for the dead while Elinor and Anna focus on caring for those still living. Brooks is suggesting that his scope of thinking has been narrowed and is unconstructive. It is also evident that he was unreasonable and arrogant in his reading of God’s thoughts. He fails to be resilient himself when Elinor dies and his melancholic state contrasts Anna’s more hopeful mood. It is often religious dogma that prevents progression and limits people’s ability to think independently and find a resolution. Superstitious thoughts in fact stem from illogical religious beliefs that can be easily perverted or misinterpreted. The accusation of witchcraft that is directed towards the Gowdies by the mob exemplifies the ignorance that religion creates – especially when dogma is shovelled into people minds. Mompellion is at least able to see the insanity of the mobs actions, however, they are unable to think logically as they have not thought out the principles being taught themselves. Organised religion can often create ignorance. Especially limiting are the patriarchal values placed upon women.
Anna is an example of a character that interrogates traditional values to emancipate herself from their confining nature. She is able to transcend her gender role by establishing herself as a healer. Her transformation and rebirth are a result of her access to knowledge and pressure of domineering males in her life – namely Michael Mompellion, Colonel Bradford and Josiah Bont. It is the oppression that they cause that fuels rebellion. Eyam is a largely phallocentric society. Women are restricted to predetermined careers that are focused on the serving of man. Contrastingly Anna witnesses Anys’ liberation. By living in accordance to nature and self-derived motives. Brooks characterisation of Anna as a woman of integrity, irreverence towards religious ideologies and disregard for societal conventions conveys a new version of womanhood. “Why only cultivate one seed in a garden?’ Anys tells Anna. Anna sees the value of freedom and how a lack of burden to a single man can lead to self-fulfilment. She realises that those of the highest status in the town are men. This social imbalance creates an environment that degrades women. Anna’s father abuses her at the bar – aside from the obvious disparity in physical strength, humility is what is associated with women in Eyam. Her father takes pride in belittling her. Anna is freed when she loses her dependence on patriarchal values.
Religious tradition also asserts positive influences. There is no major religious upheaval as a result of the plague. The custom of gathering for the church service weekly hold’s together the community’s spirit and creates continuity. Even nonconformists start attending – a sign of the at least superficial unity that Church brings. Habits are important. It is also seen that comfort is brought by the normal. Reverend Stanley still has resonance with the people and at crucial circumstances such as convincing the people to stay is able to maintain confidence. While the circular literary structure can be used to contrast the difference in mood between beginning and end, it also demonstrates the notion that emotional stability is somewhat dependent on a definite structure in life. As much has been altered, things that represent normal life are needed to keep sanity. Anna notices that a tree that once would have been uprooted has been left idle as it signifies a type of integrity.
‘Year of Wonders’ encompasses many notions of the importance of self-determination. Anna’s personal development shows the need for the expansion of values beyond societal standards.
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And yep, you can have a challenge paragraph, or, you can interweave the "challenges" or different interpretations into your other paragraphs. In some way the structures were important - having although faith may have blinded them, it may also have united them.
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