Essay Questions

In the Power of Sympathy, how is the nature of controversy different from the cultural norm?

Both Jack Worthy and Thomas Harrington are eyeing the same woman by the name Harriot Fawcet. This is evident from the sequence of letters in the Power of Sympathy and the reader can tell that these two men have fallen in love with one woman. Jack cheers Harrington to go after Harriot openly based on cultural norms but Harrington and Harriot do the opposite. It is controversial and at the same time ironic, that Jack who has similar interests in Harriot encourages his rival to pursue her. However, Harrington and Harriot pamper each other secretly.

How did the relationship between Harriot and Harrington turn out to be catastrophic according to William Hill Brown?

Harrington and Harriot are deeply in love which each other. Jack is jealousy of this relationship because he has also fallen in love with Harriot. However, Harrington is not aware that he is engaged in an illicit affair. Characters like Myra and Holmes are aware that Harrington's love affair with Harriot will not go far. Myra is a sister to Harrington and she knows that the two lovebirds are related and their relationship would not go far. Mrs. Holmes recalls that Harriot was the illicit daughter of Myra and Thomas' father implying that she is their stepsister. Quickly, Mrs. Holmes breaks the news that Harrington and Harriot are siblings and related. Therefore, it turns out to be catastrophic that their relationship will not proceed. Jack has the final laugh because he has an interest in Harriot and he cannot wait for the two to break up.

Which theme is the most progressive in The Power of Sympathy by William Hill Brown?

Throughout the book, the menace of concealment emerges as the primary theme. William Hill builds the theme of the danger of secrecy using the characters Harriot and Harrington. Harriot and Harrington engage in a love affair not knowing that they are related. Harrington’s father fathered Harriot secretly. Harriot did not have any idea that she was dating her stepbrother. However, Mrs. Holmes is aware that Harriot is an illegitimate stepdaughter to Thomas. Therefore, the theme of the danger of secrecy is evident as the love affair between the lovebirds evolves. When Mrs. Holmes breaks the news, it becomes a shameful affair and everyone is embarrassed.