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WITNESS
by Karen Hesse
Publisher: Scholastic
List Price: $16.95
Pages: 288
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 0439271991
Ages: 9-12
About This Book
The Ku Klux Klan had its beginning in the South immediately following the Civil War; its original purpose was to prevent freed slaves from gaining full rights of citizenship. Revived in the early years of the 20th century, the Klan expanded its campaign of hate and violence to include newer immigrants, particularly from Eastern Europe, and especially Jews and Catholics. Spreading into all parts of America, the Klan attempted to infiltrate small towns and enlist members by creating fear of those who are "different" and professing to embrace truly "American" values.
WITNESS tells the story of the Klan's attempt to recruit members in a small town in Vermont in 1924. A young black girl, Leanora Sutter, feels isolated by racial prejudice and her mother's recent death. She is befriended by Esther Hirsh, a younger Jewish girl, whose innocence and natural optimism provides a sharp contrast to the other characters. The Klan's hate-filled message of white supremacy is voiced by Merlin, a teenager, and Johnny Reeves, a minister in the town, who both become members. Other characters — the town constable and newspaper editor — try to walk a careful line of neutrality until they realize the importance of taking a stand. Storekeepers Viola and Harvey Pettibone represent two opposing reactions to the Klan's methods as they discuss the issue in their own home. Iris Weaver's character reflects a new freedom for women who had just gained the right to vote. Over the course of many months, residents are affected in many ways by pressures that build in the community, leading up to a climactic moment of violence. In the voices of eleven residents of the town, we experience this series of events from many different points of view, in the form of a poetic play in five acts. As the characters speak directly to the reader and relate the juxtaposition of acts of hate and love, violence and peace, terror and kindness, they illuminate the full range of human strengths and weaknesses in one small town.
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Discussion Questions
Style and Theme
1. Why did the author choose to tell the story in many different voices? How would your experience of this story be different if it were only told from the point of view of Leanora? of Esther? of Merlin? of Sara Chickering?
2. The characters speak in a series of free verse poems, each having his or her own distinctive voice. What makes this style effective? How is this book similar to, or different from, Hesse's Newbery Award-winning OUT OF THE DUST?
3. Esther has a way of speaking that Leanora calls "funny talking." How do these speech patterns affect your perception of Esther? Why did the author choose this particular style for her voice?
4. Sara Chickering says of the Klan: "There's a kind of power they wield, a deceptive authority." What does she mean by a deceptive authority? Why does the Klan burn crosses and hide their identity behind hoods and sheets?
5. Archbishop Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa has said: "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." What does he mean by this? Which characters in WITNESS attempt to remain neutral in this situation? Which of them changes his or her position of neutrality?
6. The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word "Witness" as "One who has seen or heard something . . ." or "an affirmation of a fact, statement, or event." Who are the witnesses in this story and what have they seen or heard? What does each of them affirm to be true? Why do you think the author chose this title for the book?
Characters and Setting
1. Consider the characters of Leanora and Esther. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different?
2. What part does Iris Weaver play in the story? What is the importance of her character?
3. Why do we never hear the voices of Mr. Sutter, Mr. Hirsh, and Mr. Field, but only hear about them from other people?
4. When does Merlin begin to change his feelings about Leanora? What causes him to begin to fear the Klan rather than be drawn to it?
5. What part do Viola and Harvey Pettibone play in the story? Why do you think we hear their two voices together, while all the other characters speak alone?
6. Discuss the differences among these characters in the way they react to the Klan: Johnny Reeves, Reynard Alexander, Percelle Johnson, Harvey Pettibone, Mr. Field. What does the Klan represent to each of them? What does it represent to you?
7. What is the connection between Sara Chickering and Esther? Why is Sara so protective of Esther? In what ways have Esther — and her father — made a difference in Sara's life? What other characters are changed during the story because of their connection to another person in the town?
Conflict and Resolution
1. While there are some residents of the town who respond to the Klan's hate message, there are others who find themselves exhibiting new-found courage in resisting the Klan. Which of the characters do you feel exhibits true courage? What would you do if faced with the Klan's presence in your community?
2. What lessons do we learn from WITNESS about ways to counteract prejudice and mistrust of people who are different from us? How did Sara overcome her prejudices? How did Leanora overcome hers? Will Merlin overcome his? How do you overcome yours?
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