Colacurcio focuses on Jervase Helwyse as a precursor of the revolutionary firebrand.(courtesy of Dr. Michael J. Colacurcio)

"In the final 'act' of the story, Helwyse snatches the 'fatal mantle' and rushes out of the Province House-to assume religious and political leadership of a confused, distrustful, and rebellious people (441).

. . . The final 'action' of 'Lady Eleanore's Mantle' is . . . easier to associate with 1776 than with 1721 (444).