In Chapter 13, William explains the connection between superstition, magic, and science. Why do you suppose people in his community relied on magic to explain what they didn’t understand?

The people in William's community did not understand science, and thus, used superstition and magic to explain the things they could not understand. When bad things happen, people want reasons for the events they are experiencing. Death, famine, and sicknesses are emotional events that affect everyone, and it's easy to blame magic.... the unknown, for those things they cannot understand. This has happened throughout history, and in some instances, continues to occur today.