THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Speare, Elizabeth George. 1958, 1986. THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395071143

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Orphaned Katherine Tyler (Kit) sails from her home in Barbados in 1687 to live in Wethersfield, Connecticut with her aunt, uncle, and two cousins. Her free spirited, willful nature is frowned upon in this strict Puritan town. Feeling sad and lonely, Kit makes friends with Hanna Tupper, a widowed Quaker who is suspected by some of being the witch of Blackbird Pond.

When the town is seized by an outbreak of a deadly illness, many narrow-minded, spiteful Puritans accuse Hannah of causing the outbreak and come after her. Kit quickly rescues Hannah and places her on a ship pulling into the harbor, with the help of Nat, a close friend, soon to be a romantic interest, of Kit.

When the townspeople discover Kit was friends with Hanna Tupper, she is also accused of being a witch. She was imprisoned in a cold, wooden shed, awaiting a hearing to determine if she would stand trial for witchcraft. Nate and Prudence, a young girl Kit took under her wing and taught how to read, come to her rescue and rectify the misunderstanding that almost sent Kit to trial. Nat invites Kit to come aboard his new ship and be with him forever.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND is an historical novel set in the late 1600’s. Speare tells a very convincing tale depicting the political turmoil, colonial life, and religious strictness of the Puritans. As the reader follows Kit through a year living with her aunt and uncle, a clear picture is drawn about the life and times during that period. For example, many men were concerned about the Connecticut Charter with England and the reader gets a sense of the atmosphere that led up to the American Revolution.

The descriptions of the strict Puritan customs and the unrealistic fears of the time are very persuasive. Kit, in her rebellion against bigotry and religious surroundings, bring to life the fear and suspicions in 1687. It seems impossible to conceive that anyone would truly believe a person is a witch and capable of striking an entire city with a deadly illness, but a compelling portrait is obtained of a group of people who, out of fear and ignorance, put to death those they were thought be “witches.” This realistic portrayal helps children understand the climate at that time in history in terms they can understand.

The characters in THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND are very realistic. The reader forms a fondness for many of the characters, especially Kit, Nate, Hannah, Mercy, and Aunt Rachael. Even stern, unwavering Uncle Mathew Wood is loved and respected for his convictions by the end of the novel. Several characters actually lived in this historical fiction novel, Dr. Gershom Bulkeley, Eleazer Kimberly, Governor Edmund Andros, and Captain Samuel Talcott. These characters lend an sense of authenticity to the text.

This book should open up discussions about bigotry and mob mentality. Even though the similar events in history happened centuries ago, we still see these same prejudices alive and well today. The students can talk about how the characters in the book handled the problems of narrow-mindedness and how we can solve problems like this today.

4. AUDIO CASETTE REVIEW (in addition to reading)

THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND by Elizabeth George Speare audio book. Unabridged.
6 CD’s, slipcase covering. 6 hours 33 minutes. Read by Mary Beth Hurt. 2002. New York: Random House. ISBN 0807216100.

Mary Beth Hurt does a marvelous job of narrating THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND. The recording begins and ends with music playing behind Hurt’s voice, lending a tone of professionalism. This novel begs to being read out loud. Hurt’s voice is clear and distinct with excellent intonation, expression, and phrasing. She reads the voices of the various characters in such a way there is no curiosity about who is speaking. The volume of the book is definitely understandable, as Hurt reads the language spoken during our country’s early colonization. Hearing this language read aloud may aid in comprehension. The tone is interesting and lively. These CD’s were a joy, rewarding, and exciting to listen to.

5. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

From School Library Journal - Mary Beth Hurt gives an excellent performance in this reading of the Newbery Award-winning novel by Elizabeth George Speare (HM, 1958). Hurt's use of vocal inflection and expression make this an excellent choice for listening.

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.

Children’s Book Watch - Barry Moser illustrates this reissue of a Newbery Award-winning story of a girl marked by suspicion from the moment she enters colonial Connecticut in 1687. 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.

Common Sense Media - Well-developed characters and detailed descriptions of life within the town capture and sustain the reader's interest throughout the novel. Coming from a more permissive modern society, many readers will empathize with Kit's unsuccessful attempts to suppress her independent nature, and will find her failure to conform to such a restrictive society endearing. Speare addresses Kit's inner thoughts and emotions frequently throughout the novel, making her a believable and sympathetic character. Though some of the minor characters are stereotypical Puritans, the complex nature of many of the more prominent Puritan characters, particularly those within Kit's family, is gradually revealed.
Passages describing the daily life in a 17th century Puritan colony are particularly interesting. required behavior in church and the punishments meted out to disobedient children, to the daily chores of the women of Kit's household, readers are given a glimpse of what life was like over 300 years ago. But as charges of witchcraft mount, the novel becomes a real page-turner, and many will find it hard to put down.

1959 Newbery Award Winner
ALA Notable Children’s Book

6. CONNECTIONS

Have the students create a book jacket for the book, including a short plot summary, a blurb about the author, and an illustration on the front cover.

Have the students learn more about this Newbery winning author, Elizabeth George Speare.

Have the students link this book to their own lives. Are there any similarities or differences? Have the students chart these insights on a graphic organizer.

As the children read or listen to THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND, have them keep a reader’s journal and write their questions, observations, thoughts, and opinions.

Have a discussion with the students about the political, social, religious behaviors and thoughts during colonial times.

Encourage the students to search for the real cause of the epidemic of 1687-88 in Connecticut and surrounding states.

Suggest the students compare and contrast the Puritan and Quaker religions as they were practiced in colonial times and chart the differences and similarities.

Similar books the students may enjoy include: Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, Illustrated by Lynn Ward, The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare, and Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell.