The Witch of Blackbird Pond Comprehension

Question 0

What do Mercy and Judith think about mother’s visit to Widow Brown & how do their attitudes differ?

Answer 0

Judith-thinks mother shouldn’t help others who don’t help her back; selfish
Mercy-thinks mother should help

Question 1

What responsibility and things does Aunt Rachel feel for Widow Brown, her neighbor?

Answer 1

Takes care of her because the scriptures say she should

Question 2

What do Judith and Mercy think of Kit’s trunks of clothes & how do their attitudes differ?

Answer 2

Judith-wants to try on clothes; fascinated

Mercy-doesn’t want to try on clothes; not fascinated

Question 3

Why does Matthew Wood react negatively to his family’s enjoyment of Kit’s clothes?

Answer 3

Thinks the clothing is inappropriate (too much vanity) and it’s a waste of their time

Question 4

What is the new reason why Kit travels to Connecticut to be with the Wood family?

Answer 4

Her grandfather’s friend wanted to marry her & she didn’t want to (even though others wanted her to)

Question 5

What is Judith’s opinion of Kit?

Answer 5

Doesn’t want Kit sleeping in her bed & mad Kit can’t do anything (chores)
-doesn’t want to share/show her how to do anything

Question 6

How does Kit upset the Woods Sunday morning?

Answer 6

• declined going to Meeting

- Matthew didn’t want her to wear extravagant clothes

Question 7

What does Kit think of Wethersfield?

Answer 7

Shocked-plain (no shops) and there were whipping posts and stocks for public punishment & humiliation

Question 8

How do the townspeople act when Kit enters the church?

Answer 8

Astonished, shocked, silent, unwelcoming

Question 9

What are three rules/customs at the Meeting House?

Answer 9

1. Assigned seats
2. Must be silent & still
3. Slapped for discipline

Question 10

Why did Kit dislike the service?

Answer 10

Plain and unlovely, must be still, uncomfortable

Question 11

What does “set your cap” for him mean?

Answer 11

Set out for him (when you like him)

Question 12

How do the interests of Judith and Kit differ?

Answer 12

Judith- marrying John Holbrook

Kit- doesn’t want to marry John (let alone anyone)

Question 13

Why does Rev. Bulkeley have a good opinion of Kit?

Answer 13

She’s a royalist (loyal to the king) and learns she’s a royal subject

Question 14

What did Matthew Wood and Rev. Bulkeley disagree about?

Answer 14

Wether or not Connecticut should accept King’s new governor as leader

Question 15

How has John Holbrook changed since he got to Wethersfield?

Answer 15

on ship he was dignified, now he hangs on to Reverend’s every word

Question 16

What is Kit’s opinion of Mercy?

Answer 16

Sees Mercy as strong and the pivot which the family moves around

Question 17

What does it mean when William asks to “pay his respects” to Kit?

Answer 17

Wants to start a relationship with her

Question 18

Why does Matthew dislike William?

Answer 18

William’s father is a royalist (not a Puritan like Matthew)

Question 19

What does Judith think of William?

Answer 19

Likes him but sees that he likes Kit so she says she’s going to marry John Holbrook

Question 20

How does Kit react to William’s intention?

Answer 20

Embarrassed and wanted to tell her uncle to tell him no