How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I stand as guilty as they. For I knew better and did not step forth to try to stop the madness. Certainly not in any manner that counted. I held back, afraid. (Prologue.18)
When Susanna looks back at her teenage self, she sees a scared little girl. She got caught up in the witch mayhem and she was too frightened to do anything about it—in fact, Susanna spends a lot of this book feeling afraid. So keep an eye out for any times you see Susanna shivering in her boots. Or maybe even when she puts on her brave face.
Quote #2
And the thought came to me, like the sun through the window.
Little Betty was tormented with fear of her father discovering their doings. Perhaps he had already discovered what they were about. And to throw a mantle of protection over themselves, the other girls were mimicking Betty's condition. (7.40-41)
Early on, Susanna has a theory about why the secret circle is acting afflicted—she figures that it's all about fear. You see, Betty is the first one to get spooked by Tituba's spells, and now she's afraid that her dad will find out. So this means that fear is all over these witch trials from the beginning, whether it's little Betty in the parsonage or Susanna out in the woods. And this has us wondering if these characters can find a way to be courageous instead.
Quote #3
And I knew in my bones, in that moment, that what went on in these study walls would soon disrupt our whole way of life in Salem. And I was powerless to do anything about it. I felt myself go limp with fear. "I must go now," I said to Ann Putnam.
"Do go. And remember what I said this day. And thank you for the apple tarts." Her evil laughter followed me out of the room. (8.61-62)
When Ann tells Susanna that she's going to call innocent people witches, you can bet that our girl is scared silly. Did you notice how all of Susanna's fearful feelings are super physical? She even feels "limp" and "powerless" after chatting with Ann—looks like Ann knows how to make Susanna scared right down to her core.