Summary

The Prologue discusses the possibility of the Devil's presence in any situation and the certainty that God is present. The people of Boston are relieved that there are explanations for things such as a ship that vanishes in the fog or a farmer gored by a bull who lies in agony three days before bleeding out. Mary Deerfield knows the rules of this place, including that a man should not strike is wife “without provocation.” Divorce occasionally happens, but only in severe situations. She is aware some women have been hanged for witchcraft. When she decides she cannot stand Thomas's cruelty, her parents stand with her. Her husband, Thomas, says she is a dullard; but, Mary is intelligent. However, her perspective becomes “muddy” as she recognizes “her own mean desires and roiling demons” (5).

The first section of this novel is titled The Book...