How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Then I thought of Mary Warren, who had tried to recant her testimony. I pondered how the magistrates had badgered her. Finally she broke. Denying that her original testimony had been false, she started talking about shapes hovering over her again. The magistrates were happy. They announced that she was cleansed of her sin, and she rejoined the circle.
So, then, who would believe me? (16.19-20)
Poor Mary Warren. When she wants to tell the truth about the tormented girls's lies, she just gets bullied back into the group. It's almost like the town doesn't want to know the truth. Did you notice how violently Mary is treated before she reverts back to lying? Susanna tells us that she is "badgered" until she "broke"—now that's some intense bullying. Looks like telling the truth doesn't get a girl anywhere in this town.
Quote #8
"Go now, Goody Bibber, or I'll tell my father what you've said this day."
She cackled again. "And what is that, lad?"
"That you dissemble. To save your own skin."
"Many do, lad. Many do. Tell him and I'll deny it. He'll believe me. The magistrates have given us this power." (18.48-51)
Johnathan doesn't like that Goody Bibber is getting away with lying, but the J-man can't do a thing about it—Goody Bibber and the other lying girls have lots of power in this town. And since the judges seem to like what they hear about witches, no one wants to tell the truth. What do you think of Goody's choice to join the lying gals? Do you think it's all about saving herself, or is there more to it?
Quote #9
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)
Susanna has practiced telling the truth to Joseph, but she's still having doubts; and now that she's worried Mary Bradbury might really be a witch, she's ready to keep silent again. Do you think Susanna's silence when she knows the truth is similar to a lie? How is it different? One thing is for sure, Susanna is starting to believe the lies going around Massachusetts, and that's not cool.