Ebenezer Cooke is a fictional character created by American poet John Barth in his satirical novel, "The Sot-Weed Factor," published in 1960. The book is set in colonial America during the 17th century and follows the adventures and misadventures of its protagonist, Ebenezer Cooke.
In the novel, Ebenezer Cooke is portrayed as a bumbling and naive young poet from London who is sent by his father to the Maryland colony to manage the family's tobacco plantations. Despite his lack of experience and practical skills, Cooke has aspirations of becoming a great poet under the tutelage of his fellow colonists, including the poet laureate of Maryland, Henry Burlingame.
As the story progresses, Cooke finds himself immersed in a series of humorous and often absurd situations, including encounters with pirates, Native Americans, and corrupt colonial officials. Throughout the narrative, Cooke's character undergoes a transformation from an idealistic and innocent young man to a more self-aware and cynical individual.
The name "Ebenezer" itself is derived from the Hebrew language and translates to "stone of help" or "rock of aid." In the context of the novel, Ebenezer Cooke embodies a classic archetype of the fool or the innocent abroad, providing a satirical commentary on the follies and absurdities of the time.
Overall, the character of Ebenezer Cooke serves as a satirical tool for the author to critique colonial society and explore themes of identity, ambition, and the clash between idealism and reality.
