The Witch of Blackbird Pond Politics Quotes

How we cite our quotes:

Quote #1

“You are not a Puritan then?”

“Puritan? You mean a Roundhead? One of those traitors who murdered King Charles?”

A spark of protest flashed across his mild gray eyes. He started to speak, then thought better of it, and asked gently, “You are going to stay here in Connecticut?” (1.67-69)

Kit and the Wood family don’t see eye to eye on the subject of politics. Kit and her grandfather were royalists: loyal to the Church of England and the king. The Wood family, meanwhile, are Puritans, which means that they have left the Church of England. They are also critical of England and its King.

Quote #2

“Your grandfather was a King’s man, I reckon?”

“He was a Royalist, sir. Here in America are you not also subjects of King James?”

Without answering, Matthew Wood left the room. (3.73-75)

The question of political allegiance rears its head as we learn that the Wood family do not ally themselves with the king.

Quote #3

“So, young lady, your grandfather was knighted for loyalty by King Charles, you say? A great honor, a very great honor indeed. And I take it he was a loyal subject of our good King James as well?”

“Why, of course, sir.”

“And you yourself? You are a loyal subject also?”

“How could I be otherwise, sir?” Kit was puzzled.

“There are some who seem to find it possible,” remarked the minister, staring meaningfully at a ceiling beam. (6.5-9)

Reverend Dr. Bulkeley was a real-life person, and he is true to his biography here as he plays the part of a Royalist, someone who is loyal to the king of England. He is in contrast to Uncle Matthew and many of the other Puritans. Here he suspects Uncle Matthew of attempting to tamper with Kit’s loyalty to the crown.