Throughline: The Lord of Misrule (Throwback) — Detailed Summary

Release Date: November 28, 2024
Host: Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei
Produced by NPR's Throughline

Introduction to Thomas Morton and New English Canaan

Throughline delves into the intriguing story of Thomas Morton, an early American colonist whose actions and writings significantly diverged from the predominant Pilgrim narrative. The episode explores Morton's attempts to reshape America's origin story through his controversial book, New English Canaan.

Notable Quote:
Thomas Morton reflects on his experiences in New England:
"The more I looked, the more I liked it." [00:53]

The Mayflower and Pilgrims' Settlement

The episode begins with the arrival of the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620, establishing the settlement of New Plymouth, Massachusetts. Led by William Bradford, the Pilgrims sought religious freedom but faced a harsh and unwelcoming environment.

Notable Quotes:
William Bradford captures the Pilgrims' dire circumstances:
"Having thus passed the vast ocean and that sea of troubles, they now had no friends to welcome them, nor inns to entertain and refresh their weather beaten bodies." [08:45]

Paula Peters, an independent scholar, provides context on the Pilgrims' interactions with the indigenous population:
"They've encountered a village that is empty." [09:57]

Thomas Morton's Merrymount and Conflict with the Pilgrims

Thomas Morton emerges as a contrasting figure to the Pilgrims. Arriving in New Plymouth around 1622, Morton establishes the settlement of Merrymount, which becomes a hub of trade and cultural exchange with the Wampanoag people. Unlike the Pilgrims, Morton emphasizes respect and positive relations with the native communities.

Notable Quotes:
Peter Mancall highlights Morton's differing approach:
"What Morton figures out very quickly is that he can't succeed unless he establishes really good relations with native peoples." [20:37]

William Bradford criticizes Morton's methods:
"In order to maintain this riotous prodigality in excess, Morton... began to practice it hereabouts, teaching them how to use them." [21:50]

Thomas Morton defends his stance:
"I have found the Massachusetts Indian more full of humanity than the Christians." [32:02]

Publication and Banning of New English Canaan

Morton's growing influence and his book, New English Canaan, threaten the established Pilgrim order. The book offers an alternative vision of coexistence with Native Americans, challenging the Puritan rigidity. As a result, Morton faces increasing opposition, leading to his eventual exile.

Notable Quotes:
Peter Mancall discusses the suppression of Morton's work:
"When some few sheets of the said book were printed, it was stayed and those sheets taken away." [34:48]

Thomas Morton articulates his vision in his book:
"If this land be not rich, then is the whole world poor?" [01:24]

Legacy and Impact of Morton's Ideas

Despite multiple attempts to silence him, Morton's ideas endured, influencing future generations and challenging the singular Puritan narrative of American colonization. Figures like Nathaniel Hawthorne and even early American leaders like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson acknowledged the significance of Morton's work, recognizing its role in presenting a multifaceted history of America's beginnings.

Notable Quotes:
Sarah Rivet emphasizes the lasting impact of Morton's narrative:
"New English Canaan... is written with that sense of future generations in mind as much as the present day." [45:30]

Peter Mancall reflects on the enduring relevance of Morton's story:
"Morton's story doesn't die. New English Canaan, despite the best efforts, doesn't die. It comes back." [50:36]

Conclusion: A Multivocal American Origin Story

Throughline concludes by asserting the importance of recognizing diverse narratives in understanding America's history. Thomas Morton's story exemplifies the contested and multifaceted nature of early American colonization, challenging the monolithic Puritan portrayal and highlighting the potential for alternative, more harmonious relationships with indigenous populations.

Final Thoughts:
Peter Mancall encapsulates the episode's theme:
"Banning books is such an insult to human intellect... Morton's story doesn't die." [50:36]

Legacy in Literature and Culture

Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Maypole of Merrymount and other literary works further cement Thomas Morton's place in American cultural history, portraying him as a symbol of joy and humanity in contrast to Puritan austerity. This enduring legacy underscores the episode's exploration of how marginalized voices can reshape historical narratives.

Notable Quotes:
Sarah Rivet describes Hawthorne's portrayal:
"He really sees this as a deep debate between joy and gloom, between severity and a kind of fuller embrace of humanity and of life." [46:24]

John Adams acknowledges the significance of Morton's work:
"It is whimsical that this book, so long lost, should be brought to me." [46:05]

Throughline effectively uses Thomas Morton's story to illustrate the complexities and competing visions that shaped early America, offering listeners a richer, more nuanced understanding of the nation's origins.