Genre 5 - Historical Fiction: The Witch of Blackbird Pond

1. Bibliography
Speare, Elizabeth George. 1958. The witch of blackbird pond. New York: Yearling. ISBN 9780440495963

2. Plot Summary
Katherine "Kit" Tyler is a wealthy orphan who is forced to move from her childhood home in tropical Barbados to her aunt's house in Puritan Connecticut in 1687 following the death of her beloved grandfather. From the beginning, Kit feels like a fish out of water. Her clothes are far fancier than the plain, practical dresses of her cousins Judith and Mercy, she is forced to do household work although she is used to having slaves, and she is free-spirited while everyone else is strictly religious. She finds refuge in the meadows and meets the old woman, Hannah, who lives there and who is rumored to be a witch. Kit grows fond of Hannah and a friendship quickly develops. When an illness breaks out in the village of Wethersfield, Kit is accused of learning witchcraft from Hannah and is forced to endure a trial.

3. Analysis
Elizabeth George Speare's depiction of Colonial Connecticut and the descriptions of the bleak, gray landscape transport the reader to an unfamiliar time and place. The struggle of the settlers to gain freedom from the king of England roots the story to a recognizable period in history. An author's note explains that some of the characters in the book were actually real people including the royal governor, the magistrate, the schoolmaster, and the reverend who so often visited the Wood family's household. The inclusion of these real people in a fictional story help ground the story and make it feel like Kit and the Wood family were real people as well.

The Puritan hysterics of the time are also accurately portrayed. The fear that drove people to accuse women of being witches is explored as well. Kit being a bit of an odd ball in Wethersfield made her a prime target of the distress of the townspeople and their mob mentality.

The tumultuous relationship Kit has with Nat, the son of the captain of the ship that brought her to Connecticut concludes with the sweet and somewhat expected romance that blossoms at the end of the book. Kit finally finds the true happiness she had been longing for the entire year before in Wethersfield. Her character comes full circle from eccentric newcomer to a fulfilled, content woman.

4. Review Excerpts

Newbery Medal Winner

Children's Book Watch - "Her unconventional ways lead to conflict and trouble for the lonely girl in this moving story which combines a powerful plot and strong characterization with insights on social change. "

Booklist - "Strong plot, fully realized characters and convincing atmosphere distinguish this historical narrative of a girl whose rebellion against bigotry and her Puritan surroundings culminates in a witch hunt and trial."

5. Connections
* Both Puritan and Quaker religions are mentioned in the book. Students can research these two religions as they were practiced during colonial times and make a Venn diagram comparing the two.

*Students can research illnesses that spread throughout the colonies during the late 1600s to make a conclusion about what they think the illness could have been that swept through Wethersfield during the winter.

*The issue of religious freedom is explored in this book. Students can have a discussion about the freedoms Americans hold today in regards to religion and compare them to the strict religious ideals of the Puritans in the story.