"New Superstitions for Old" and "Superstitious Minds": Comparative Analysis

Superstition, a belief in supernatural forces, has fascinated and puzzled humanity for centuries. Two essays, "New Superstitions for Old" and "Superstitious Minds," delve into this intricate realm of human behavior. Despite their shared focus on superstitions, these essays differ significantly in tone, purpose, and their overall impact on readers. This comparative analysis explores these distinctions, shedding light on the unique qualities of each essay.

Exploring Tone

The tone of an essay plays a pivotal role in conveying the author's perspective and engaging the reader.

"New Superstitions for Old" by Margaret Mead adopts a critical and somewhat belittling tone towards superstitions and those who embrace them. Mead views superstitions as a form of entertainment, as she humorously remarks, "It is a kind of joke, of course, but it makes you feel safe" (Mead, 630). Her tone can be perceived as mocking the believers, implying that such beliefs are childish and irrational.

Moreover, Mead emphasizes the importance of scientific knowledge in debunking superstitions, reflecting an academic and educational tone.

Get quality help now

KarrieWrites

Verified writer

Proficient in: Free Essays

5 (339)

“ KarrieWrites did such a phenomenal job on this assignment! He completed it prior to its deadline and was thorough and informative. ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

She states, "Superstitions, however, belong to the category of beliefs, practices, and ways of thinking that have been discarded because they are inconsistent with scientific knowledge" (Mead, 629). This suggests that Mead aims to educate her readers about the irrationality of superstitions.

In contrast, Letty Cottin Pogrebin's "Superstitious Minds" adopts a more personal and family-oriented tone. Pogrebin shares anecdotes from her own life and her mother's superstitions, creating a sense of intimacy with the reader. Her tone is not critical but rather empathetic towards her mother's beliefs.

Pogrebin recounts how her mother believed in the power of rituals and superstitions as a means of protection. This personal and heartfelt approach allows readers to connect with the author on a deeper level.

Unveiling Purpose

The purpose of an essay shapes its content and delivery. "New Superstitions for Old" takes an academic and educational approach, aiming to inform and enlighten the reader. Margaret Mead challenges superstitions by highlighting their irrationality and inconsistency with scientific knowledge. She asserts, "Superstitions... are inconsistent with scientific knowledge" (Mead, 629). This indicates her desire to educate the reader about the fallacy of superstitions.

Mead's essay presents a complex and intellectual discourse, targeting an audience with an existing understanding of scientific principles. Her purpose revolves around debunking superstitions and promoting critical thinking. She suggests that superstitions belong to an outdated realm of beliefs and practices, urging readers to embrace a more rational perspective.

In contrast, "Superstitious Minds" by Letty Cottin Pogrebin has a different purpose. Pogrebin shares personal stories and anecdotes, aiming to entertain and evoke emotional responses from her audience. Her purpose is not to challenge or criticize superstitions but rather to honor her mother's beliefs and the role they played in their relationship. Pogrebin creates a heartfelt tribute to her mother's superstitious nature, preserving her memory through storytelling.

Evaluating the Impact

The impact of an essay can vary widely depending on its tone and purpose. "New Superstitions for Old" received mixed reviews from readers. Some found the essay to be overly critical and complex, making them feel attacked or confused. However, others appreciated Margaret Mead's fearless expression of her opinions and her thought-provoking style of writing. Mead's essay left some readers intrigued and motivated to explore the connection between religion and superstition, encouraging deeper contemplation.

"Superstitious Minds" by Letty Cottin Pogrebin had a more emotionally resonant impact. Many readers found the essay to be touching and relatable, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the small superstitions that hold personal significance. However, a few readers considered the essay shallow. Nevertheless, Pogrebin's essay succeeded in triggering emotions and leaving a bittersweet feeling, especially with the poignant line, "My mother never lived to know David, but he knew she would not want the moon to shine upon him as he slept" (Pogrebin, 636). This sentence left a lasting impression on the hearts of readers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "New Superstitions for Old" and "Superstitious Minds" offer distinct perspectives on the world of superstitions. While Margaret Mead's essay adopts a critical and educational tone, challenging superstitions from an intellectual standpoint, Letty Cottin Pogrebin's essay embraces a personal and empathetic tone, sharing heartfelt stories of her mother's beliefs. Their purposes also differ, with Mead seeking to inform and enlighten, while Pogrebin aims to entertain and evoke emotions.

Ultimately, the impact of these essays varies among readers, with some finding Mead's essay thought-provoking and others appreciating Pogrebin's emotional resonance. These essays serve as valuable contributions to the exploration of superstitions, offering diverse perspectives that engage readers on intellectual and emotional levels.