Final answer:
The "Wild Entertainment" section discusses historical entertainment forms in America, spanning theater troupes, melodramas, circuses, and interactive shows, along with the public's fascination and ethical concerns regarding such entertainment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main idea of the "Wild Entertainment" section is to describe the various forms of entertainment that captivated American audiences in the past. This includes touring theater troupes performing Shakespeare and variety shows, the melodramatic plays enforcing Victorian morals, and the traveling circus spectacles by P. T. Barnum. Additionally, it details the public's fascination with oddities and deviant physical acts at places like Coney Island, while also mentioning the more immersive and customizable experiences of contemporary shows.
The essay also touches on the curiosity and controversies surrounding technological advancements and animal welfare at the time. Middle-class reformers, particularly from organizations like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, raised concerns over the propriety of some acts. Despite this, other cities emulated New York's attractions, leading to new forms of live performance nationwide.