2. Consider the following. Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa has said the following: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, then you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” What does he mean by this quote? Which characters in Witness attempt to remain neutral? Do they stay neutral or do their positions change?

3. While some characters in Witness support the Klan, others find new-found courage to resist the Klan and its message of hatred. Which character do you feels exhibit true courage? What dangers does he or she face in resisting the Klan? Be sure to explain your reasoning. Choose just one character!

4. Consider the format of Witness. Why do you think that Hesse has chosen to tell her story through free verse poems written from the perspectives of 11 different characters? How does this format support the overall theme of the book? 

5. How is Witness, a novel set in Vermont in 1924, relevant to today’s world? What does it have to say about prejudice? What does it tell us about how we should treat people who are different than ourselves? What is the best way to overcome prejudice, according to the author?