The Bennett Explosion Summary and Analysis

John C. Bennett proved himself a viper amongst the saints. He proved himself overly ambitious and extravagant, heartless as he eagerly exploited polygamy. He used the name of the prophet, Joseph, to exploit and seduce women as early as 1840. As he had been a doctor of midwifery, he bragged that he could abort unwanted pregnancies from his adultery.

Ms. Brodie is more even-handed in her discussion of this chapter than she has been in most other chapters. She notes that many of the sources who report polygamy during this time are suspect, that the purpose of writing is unknown, and that the writers are clearly suspect, especially when referring to things said by John C. Bennett. She also continued to believe that Joseph was involved in illicit sexual encounters with women, both those who were married and...