How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"What do you want from us?" Johnathan asked.
"Susanna knows," she said softly. Then she turned and pointed to the lifeless figure on the end of the rope, etched against the blue June sky. See how she swings in the breeze. Hear the creaking of the tree branch. How many others will swing on it, hey?" (18.41-42)
Well, Goody Bibber, that's a not-so-subtle way to call Susanna out. But the fact is Susanna has to keep answering this question over and over. And over again. Keep your eye out for all the times she asks herself if she should come forward. We bet you might even lose count.
Quote #8
Oh, I did not know, I did not know! I knew nothing anymore, it seemed. All reason had fled. But through my confusion, one thought pushed its way, like a haunted galleon, through a wall of fog.
I could not tell the truth about the girls in the circle until William safely returned. I must let the witch trials continue. Mary Bradbury must go to trial. Certainly she would be condemned. I could not take the chance and let her live. Or William might be destroyed. (20.128-129)
Susanna is just a bundle of nerves these days—she is super confused now that she fears Mary Bradbury might be a witch. And she's pretty scared for her brother. And freaked out about her part in all of it. But we've got to admit: she doesn't seem too worried that Mary might be innocent and killed anyway. What do you think of Susanna's decision to stay silent? Is she being protective or cold-hearted?
Quote #9
"When Pike comes in August, Susanna, I would have you tell him what you know about the circle."
I looked out the window, saying nothing.
"Your family will be safe in New York by then. But we must prevent the execution of others."
I continued to gaze outside. A morning breeze lifted the leaves of the trees. I heard the floorboards creak as Joseph came to stand beside me.
"You will do it, won't you, Susanna?"
I looked up into his face, which I had come to know and love as one would love a father's or brother's. "Oh, Joseph, I can't. Please forgive me." And I burst into a fresh onslaught of tears and ran from the room. (21.37-42)
Susanna finally has her chance to make a big difference in the anti-witch campaign but she just can't muster the guts to do it. This is the umpteenth time she's decided not to chat about the lying girls's circle, and it has us feeling super frustrated. What do you think Susanna is mulling over as she's looking out the window? What factors is she using to help make her decision?