The historical context suggests that Dickie's parents, if informed about the importance of the exam, would likely take measures to ensure he is prepared, perhaps limiting TV time due to the belief that excessive television can lead to poor performance. The warnings from Puritan ministers highlight the severe spiritual and practical repercussions of a lack of parental engagement in children's education.
The question seems to revolve around the impact of parental knowledge and involvement in their children's education on the outcomes of the children's exams. The historical context provided by Cotton Mather and Richard Mather's warnings emphasizes the dire consequences of parental neglect in the education of their children. These Puritan ministers believed that the lack of education due to parental negligence would lead to punishment and a sense of woe among children on the Day of Judgment.
With reference to the question posed, it is plausible that Dickie's parents, had they been informed about the importance of the exam, might act to ensure that Dickie is well-prepared, potentially reducing any television viewing time, due to the concern that watching too much television leads to poor exam performance. The moral responsibility underscored by the Mathers suggests that parents who fail to properly guide their children's study habits may face not just temporal, but also eternal consequences for their lack of diligence.
The broader impact of parental awareness and action regarding their children's academic preparation can be significant. Students with different levels of academic performance prior to parental intervention may respond differently, potentially equalizing or changing academic outcomes. Thus, parental knowledge of exams, framed within a historical context, demonstrates their critical role in fostering academic success.