How Does Kit's Character Change Throughout The Novel

Imagine leaving home to live in a foreign place with new rules, people, and activities. Katherine Tyler, a girl originally from the island of Barbados, has to leave her beautiful home when her grandfather dies. She hopes her aunt and uncle in America will take her in, but she does not realize how much she will have to change in order to fit in. Her cousins, Judith and Mercy, are nothing like her, and her uncle forbids her to wander around and visit her friend, Hannah Tupper. In The Witch of Blackbird Pond, a young, carefree girl struggles to fit in a new society, causing her to mature into a skilled young woman. The author uses characterization through Kit’s appearance, her family’s perspective of her, and Kit’s own thoughts to show the change

In Barbados, Kit was used to doing whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted(6). When she comes to America, her impulsiveness surprises everyone. When Kit loses her temper when no one cares for Prudence’s doll, the author states, “Kit was not used to being ignored...when a thin whimper from the child was silenced by a vicious cuff, her anger boiled over. Without a second’s deliberation she acted,”(5). Kit jumps into the river to save the doll without thinking about the consequences, which shows that she is quick-tempered and makes rash decisions. In this situation, her quick decisions lead to people believing she is a witch; however, as the author reveals Kit’s true character, the reader can see how Kit’s quick thinking actually helps others. When Kit hears that the townspeople are going to hunt down Hannah Tupper, who they believe to be a Quaker witch, she is scared for her friend. She disobeys her uncle’s rules, sneaks out of the house, and rushes to warn Hannah before she can get hurt (121-123). Although Kit does not worry about being caught or getting in trouble with her Uncle, her quick thinking helps her innocent friend escape danger. The author reveals Kit’s true characteristics, and shows how she is helpful and kind to her friends, especially when they are in danger. Kit changes from being impulsive and making rash decisions

When she first arrives to America, everyone stares at her and judges her because she is unfamiliar to their land; however, the encouragement and advice from her family and friends helps Kit overcome any challenge that she faces. Kit struggles to fit in with her relatives and the rest of the town, but as she learns new things from her cousins and makes new friends, she blends into colonial society. Although, Kit has to prove herself countless times, she finally is able to find love and settle down in this foreign land. Even though one may become adjusted to life in one area, they will always love the ways of their homeland, just like Kit will treasure Barbados in her heart