Witch of Blackbird Pond Study Questions Ch 5-8

Front

How does the author show us in word pictures what Judith feels about Kit? Ch 5

Back

"Her pretty mouth had a sulky droop, and the long fringe of lashes barely hid the envy and rebellion in her blue eyes."

Front

What were the pillory, whipping post, and stock used for? Ch 5

Back

This was a place for public humiliation.

Front

Judith asked Kit, "Have you set your cap on him?" What does that mean? Ch 5

Back

Judith is asking Kit if she has her heart set on going after him, to date him.

Front

What are Sabbath houses? Why were they necessary? Ch 5

Back

Sabbath houses are houses used for people who live too far from the Meeting house. There are two services. One in am and one in evening so these families that live too far, stay in a Sabbath house to stay warm and rest for the day while awaiting second Meeting.

Front

Describe the church service. How is it different from your own (if you have a church experience)? Ch 5

Back

Kit was terribly bored. Ladies on one side and men on the other. No one was allowed to move at all. The benches were hard as rock and hurt her and her toes fell asleep. The kids in back who cut up were hit on head until they learned how to behave. The service was hours long. Kit was not used to this at all.

Front

Why is this sentence about the townspeople's reaction to Kit so effective? "It was not so much a sound as a stillness so intent that it made her ears ring." Ch 5

Back

The silence was so silent that it almost felt that the opposite. It felt that they were yelling and screaming at her even though no one made a sound.

Front

What is Rev. Bulkeley like? Is his use of scripture effective here? Ch 6

Back

He is rigid in his opinions. He is harsh towards Matthew Wood. His scripture is effective because he purposely has John read one about obeying a "king". It angers Matthew even more.

Front

How does Mercy show that she is a peacemaker throughout these chapters? Give as many examples as possible. What other character qualities are evident in Mercy's life? Ch 7

Back

Mercy explained why Judith said earlier that she wished Kit were a boy. The family lost two baby boys. Mercy also helped squash the arguing between Rev. and Matthew during dinner by asking someone to read Scriptures.

Front

Why does Kit learn how to knit? What is her attitude toward her other chores? Ch 7

Back

She learned to knit b/c each time William would call on her, he would just sit and stare and not speak much. She took up knitting so she would have something to do during their "dates".

Front

Why are Rev. Bulkeley and Matthew Wood arguing over loyalty to the king and the Mass. Charter? Ch 7

Back

Rev. Bulk feels they should listen to the new Governor appointed by King James. Matthew refuses b/c Ct colony has a charter and the Gov. is coming in and trying to change things.