A Break With Charity Fear Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #10

"You knew I was working with people like Reverend Wise of Ipswich and Reverend Hale of Beverly. And Reverend Dane of Andover. You knew of John Proctor's petition begging for his life and the lives of others. You knew of John Alden, who comes from one of New England's foremost families, imprisoned in his own home. And you said nothing."

"I was afraid, Joseph," I said tremulously.

"Do you fancy we are not? Do you think John Proctor is not afraid? Yet he stands up to them. Did you not think Rebecca Nurse was afraid when she went to the gallows? Yet she acted with dignity and faith, even when they put the noose around her neck. She refused to confess to witchcraft, though those who confess are not hanged and those who do confess are not hanged and those who do not confess are." (19.75-77)

When Susanna finally tells Joseph what she knows about Ann and the lying girls, he's upset—even though Susanna was super scared to tell the truth, Joseph still thinks she should've spoken up sooner. There have been oodles of town folks who have shown lots of bravery, and now Susanna needs to learn to be more like John Proctor and Rebecca Nurse. Do you think she does this by the end of the book?

Quote #11

"And when that time comes, Susanna, you must agree to come with me and tell what you know. Will you do that?"

"Yes, Joseph."

"I will stand by you. You must not be afraid. This is a brave land, Susanna, founded by brave people who never shrank from their duty or their vision of freedom. But this land has a future only if each of us stands up for what is right when it is given us to do so." (19.94-96)

There sure is a lot of fear in Salem, but there's a good chunk of bravery too. Joseph knows that Massachusetts is full of courage deep down, and now Susanna is ready to be one of those brave folk. It's about time.