The Witch of Blackbird Pond Chapters 1-8 Review

Questions and Answers

Who is the author of the novel?

Elizabeth Speare

Where is the setting of the novel?

Wethersfield, Connecticut-1687

Who is the protagonist?

Kit Tyler

What is the name of the ship she comes on?

The Dolphin Signup and view all the answers

How does Kit feel when she gets to Wethersfield?

She does not like the town. She thinks it is boring and ugly in comparison to Barbados. Signup and view all the answers

From where does Kit move?

Barbados Signup and view all the answers

What is the Captain and first mate's name?

Captain and Nat Eaton Signup and view all the answers

What does Kit rescue from the water?

Prudence's doll Signup and view all the answers

Why do the people on the boat think Kit is a witch?

Because she is able to swim. Signup and view all the answers

What has happened to all of Kit's family in Barbados?

Her parents died when she was young, and now her grandfather, who was raising her, has also passed away. Signup and view all the answers

Who is she going to live with in Wethersfield?

Her aunt and uncle, Matthew and Rachel Signup and view all the answers

What are her two cousins' names?

Judith and Mercy Signup and view all the answers

Which cousin was friendly to Kit and which was not too happy to have Kit in their home?

Mercy was friendly. Judith was not too happy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Sabbath house?

A place for families that live too far to go home between worship services. Signup and view all the answers

Who asked permission to court Kit?

William Signup and view all the answers

What made Kit catch her breath when she first saw the Great Meadow?

It reminded her of her home in Barbados. Signup and view all the answers

Who lived in the little hut by the meadow?

Widow Tupper Signup and view all the answers

What did Judith tell Kit people thought about Widow Tupper?

They thought she was a witch. Signup and view all the answers

When Judith and Kit returned from the onion field, what good news did Mercy have for Kit?

Reverend Bulkeley wanted Kit to help Mercy teach school. Signup and view all the answers

How did Kit feel about this teaching opportunity?

Happy Signup and view all the answers

Things were going very well at school until Kit decided the children might learn better by:

acting out the story Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of having the children act out the story of the Good Samaritan?

The 'robbers' really began to beat up the 'traveler'. Mr. Kimberley and Reverend Woodbridge came to inspect the school and sent the students home. Kit was dismissed from teaching. Signup and view all the answers

How did Kit react to seeing Mercy cry?

She ran away and ended up in the Meadow, lying on the ground, crying. Signup and view all the answers

Kit fell asleep and when she woke up, who was there with her?

Widow Tupper Signup and view all the answers

After her visit with Widow Tupper, Kit realized that without speaking a word about it, Hannah Tupper had conjured away the _________ that had been seething in Kit's mind for weeks.

rebellion Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author and Setting

Elizabeth Speare is the author of the novel.
The story is set in Wethersfield, Connecticut, during the year 1687.

Main Characters

Kit Tyler, also known as Katherine Tyler, is the protagonist.
She travels on a ship named The Dolphin to arrive in Wethersfield.
Kit was raised in Barbados and moves to Connecticut after the death of her grandfather.
Kit's aunt and uncle, Matthew and Rachel, are her guardians in Wethersfield.
Kit has two cousins: Judith, who is unfriendly, and Mercy, who is kind and welcoming.

Kit's Initial Impressions

Kit feels a strong dislike for Wethersfield, finding it boring and ugly compared to her tropical home.
Upon arrival, Kit rescues Prudence's doll from the water, which leads to villagers suspecting her of witchcraft because she swims.

Family Background

Kit's family in Barbados has passed away; her parents died in her youth, and she lost her grandfather recently.

Judging Kit's character, Judith is envious of Kit's clothes and does not welcome her presence in their home.
The concept of a Sabbath house is introduced, catering to families too far from church to return home between services.

Teaching Opportunity

William asks for permission to court Kit.
Reverend Bulkeley offers Kit a chance to help teach young children, which makes her happy and hopeful for acceptance in the family.
Kit's unorthodox teaching method of acting out stories leads to chaos in the classroom, resulting in her dismissal.

Emotional Struggles

Kit experiences feelings of frustration and rebellion as she navigates her new life and community expectations.
After a distressing classroom incident, witnessing Mercy cry leads Kit to retreat emotionally and physically to the meadow.

Encounter with Widow Tupper

Kit meets Widow Tupper, who is rumored to be a witch, and this encounter prompts Kit to reflect on her inner turmoil and rebellion.
Widow Tupper's silent presence shifts Kit's emotional state, indicating a deeper connection and understanding of Kit's struggles.

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Test your knowledge with this flashcard review of the first eight chapters of 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond.' This quiz covers key characters, setting, and plot points to help reinforce your understanding of the novel. Ideal for students looking to prepare for discussions or exams.