How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"I will go, but I will not forgive Ann Putnam. You cannot ask me to do that, husband," I told him. And I wonder, now that I am here, how I can look on her face again without seeing the faces of all whom she destroyed. (Prologue.9)
When this book starts, Susanna sure isn't in a forgiving mood. In her mind, Ann did a horrible thing and that's that—just check out Susanna's tone when she tells her husband that she won't forgive Ann. It looks like our girl Susanna isn't about to budge anytime soon.
Quote #2
Beg forgiveness, indeed! After fourteen years! I see no purpose to it. The dead are dead; those who remain behind cannot forget. But then, just as I am about to close my heart against Ann, I recollect my part in the madness that came to our village in 1692. And I know I am as guilty as Ann or any of the girls in that circle of accusers.
[…]
The congregation that has assembled all around me while I sit here will forgive her, I know. All of them will forgive her. Even the kinsmen of Rebecca Nurse and the family of Martha and Giles Cory. And all of John and Elizabeth Proctor's children. All those who were most wronged will forgive her and welcome her back into the congregation.
But who will forgive me? (Prologue.16, 21-22)
Susanna is having a hard time letting go of her anger at Ann Putnam—and we don't really blame her—but if there's one person Susanna is really mad at, it's herself. Do you think Susanna forgives herself for her part in the witch trials? Or do you think she feels guilty throughout?
Quote #3
She accepted my gifts in wonderment. The lines on her face softened. And the wrinkles wreathed a smile.
[…]
I got back into the cart and guided Molasses down the rest of English Street. The cart was much lighter now, for it was empty.
As for my heart, it was lighter, too. But it was also very full of good feeling. I don't care if Mama does scold, I told myself. Giving all those things to Sarah Good was worth it. (3.57, 60-61)
Susanna knows that compassion can be hard to come by in Salem—in fact, when it comes to Sarah Good, most Puritans don't want to be kind at all. But our gal Susanna decides to be kind as all get-out when she gives Sarah all the goods in her cart. Just take a look at how happy Sarah is. And how good Susanna feels. Looks like being kind is worth a little trouble in the first place.