Yellow Fever
Ormond; or, the Secret Witness, is set against the backdrop of a Yellow Fever outbreak in colonial Philadelphia. Brown describes the atmosphere of intense fear around the city caused by the pandemic, personifying it and creating another character. Readers can almost feel the intense silence of the city and how people act furtively to avoid spreading the disease.
Dreams
Throughout the novel, Brown uses vivid imagery to describe the dreams of the novel's protagonist, Constantia. These dreams, which are described in incredible detail, reflect the character's fears, desires, and premonitions for what is to come. The imagery likewise reflects the subconscious of the characters, especially Constantia.
Parties
Brown includes scenes of social gatherings and masquerades, which he describes in tremendous detail, to highlight the performative aspects of social interaction and the disguises people wear in society to help them blend in. To that end, people must put on masks to succeed and prosper in modern life, which has never valued individuality.
