The Witch of Blackbird Pond An Introduction

The Basics Written in 1958 by Elizabeth George Speare Takes place in Wethersfield, CT – a real place! – in 1687 (The Salem Witch Trials took place in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692) Main character is Kit, a teenage orphan who has left her home in Barbados to live with her aunt and uncle in Wethersfield Political and religious tension in this time and place Politically – Connecticut wants to be free – completely – from England Religious – Puritans believe anyone other than them is evil

Historical Background King James II – King of England at the time this novel takes place Puritans – very moral beliefs, left England because they felt it was too relaxed Quakers – reject worship and feel religion comes from within, devoted to peace, came from a part of England different from the Puritans Connecticut Colony Charter – Connecticut people could govern themselves but had to send money back to the king American Revolution – 1765 - 1783

Topics and Tid Bits Social outcasts – doesn’t belong to the larger group, exclusion Scapegoat – wrongly blamed for something Intolerance – No acceptance for people who are different There is a relationship between understanding and fear – we fear what we don’t understand “Branding” is meant literally in the book – permanent mark on the skin Novel is an excellent representation of “I know what is best and you’re not it”

Characters Kit – Main character, teenager, from Barbados Hannah – Elderly, Quaker, lives in the meadows, branded a witch Nat – Captain’s son, skilled sailor, same values as Kit John – Smart, in Wethersfield to study from Reverend Bulkeley Matthew and Rachel – Kit’s uncle and aunt in Wethersfield Mercy and Judith – Matthew and Rachel’s daughters, Kit’s cousins

Characters, cont’d William – Richest man in Wethersfield, young bachelor Goodwife – small-minded cruel woman, mean to husband and Kit Prudence – Goodwife’s daughter, mistreated Reverend Bulkeley – Real person from history, loyal to the King Governor Edmund – Real person from history, loyal to the King