Second on the Cholera
The work discusses the relationship between human behavior, societal conditions, and the prevalence of diseases like cholera and fever. It argues that many illnesses are a direct consequence of human negligence and poor living conditions, emphasizing that these diseases serve as divine judgments on societal filth and moral decay. The author addresses the common objection that innocent individuals, particularly children, suffer from these diseases, asserting that while they may not be directly at fault, their suffering is a result of the sins and negligence of their parents and society at large. The text highlights historical improvements in public health due to increased cleanliness and better living conditions, suggesting that the decline of certain diseases is linked to societal progress. It posits that the consequences of individual and collective actions can lead to widespread suffering, reinforcing the idea that the sins of the fathers are visited upon the children. The author calls for a collective responsibility to improve public health and living conditions, urging individuals to act in accordance with their faith and moral duty to protect the vulnerable. Ultimately, the work serves as a moral exhortation to recognize the interconnectedness of society and the importance of communal responsibility in preventing disease and suffering.
By Charles Kingsley · First published 1856 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Travel · 3,429 words
First lines
Visiting the sins of the fathers upon the children. - EXODUS xx. 5.
IN my sermon last Sunday I said plainly that cholera, fever, and many more diseases were man's own fault, and that they were God's judgments just because they were man's own fault, because they were God's plainspoken opinion of the sin of filth and of habits of living unfit for civilised Christian men.
What this Textopian page supports
Second on the Cholera is listed on Textopian as a speech by Charles Kingsley, dated 1856 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Speech
- Author: Charles Kingsley
- Date: 1856 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Drama, Travel, Adventure, Medical
- Length: 3,429 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Second on the Cholera by Charles Kingsley
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book traverses through past events and is mainly set in a historical context.
- Drama — Several dramatic interactions and conflicts occur throughout the novel.
- Travel — The characters travel extensively as part of the narrative of fighting the Cholera.
- Adventure — The storyline involves a multitude of risky endeavors and thrilling situations.
Tags
cholera · disease · epidemic · public health · 19th century · historical fiction · social commentary · medical history · survival · urban life · science · human resilience