Chapter 13 - "A Break with Charity"

What does Susanna’s silence about the false accusations suggest about the role of fear in shaping individual choices?

• Fear makes people naturally passive in dangerous situations.

• Fear can force individuals to prioritize self-preservation over justice.

• Fear only affects the weak-willed and has little impact on strong-minded individuals.

• Fear is an excuse Susanna uses to justify her inaction rather than a real influence.

How does the social hierarchy in Salem impact the credibility of accusations made by the afflicted girls?

• The girls come from powerful families, making their words unquestionable.

• The town believes children are incapable of lying, reinforcing their credibility.

• The trials give lower-status individuals the chance to influence those in power.

• The judges carefully weigh the girls’ accusations against the town’s social order.

In what ways does Susanna’s inner conflict reflect the larger moral dilemmas faced by the people of Salem?

• Both Susanna and the townspeople struggle between truth and self-preservation.

• Susanna’s conflict is unique and does not relate to the moral concerns of others.

• The townspeople act purely out of religious devotion, while Susanna acts out of fear.

• Unlike Susanna, most people in Salem do not face moral dilemmas in this situation.

If Susanna were to speak out against the girls in this chapter, what would likely happen to her?

• The town would admire her for her bravery and believe her.

• She would be ignored, as the trials are already too far along.

• She would be accused of witchcraft and risk severe punishment.

• The girls would lose credibility and the trials would end quickly.

What does the growing power of the afflicted girls suggest about how hysteria spreads?

• Hysteria gains strength when those in power actively encourage it.

• Hysteria only spreads when people lack proper religious guidance.

• Hysteria is uncontrollable and follows no discernible pattern.

• Hysteria weakens when people are exposed to the truth.

How does Susanna’s relationship with Mary Warren complicate her ability to act?

• Mary is too influential, and Susanna fears losing her friendship.

• Mary’s involvement in the trials places Susanna in a dangerous position.

• Mary has always been an honest person, making Susanna doubt the truth.

• Susanna is emotionally detached from Mary, so it does not complicate her choices.

What does the town’s willingness to accept accusations without evidence reveal about their perception of justice?

• They believe justice should be based on spiritual revelations rather than facts.

• They see justice as something controlled by the church, not individuals.

• They value fairness and require strong evidence before convicting anyone.

• They believe justice is best served by letting individuals defend themselves fairly.

Why might Ann Putnam and other accusers be motivated to continue making accusations, beyond fear of witches?

• They enjoy the attention and increased influence their accusations bring.

• They believe the trials are a necessary way to purify the town.

• They have been threatened by the accused witches to keep speaking out.

• They are secretly being controlled by a powerful outside force.

How does the way the trials unfold challenge the Puritans’ belief in their moral superiority?

• The trials expose the town’s willingness to act unjustly out of fear and self-interest.

• The trials reinforce the Puritans’ strong moral foundation and ability to seek truth.

• The trials are justified by scripture, proving that their beliefs remain strong.

• The Puritans recognize their mistakes quickly and seek to correct them.

If Susanna were to publicly expose the girls’ lies at this point in the novel, what broader effect might it have on Salem?

• It could lead to more people questioning the legitimacy of the trials.

• It would immediately end the trials, as people would recognize the truth.

• It would make the husbands fearful over the power that the girls hold.

• It would cause a rebellion against the church’s authority.