In The Mercies, prejudice informs the accusations of witchcraft. Identify at least two characters who are judged for being different. How does prejudice impact them? What is Hargrave’s message about society’s impulse towards prejudice?

What role(s) does the character of Kristen play in this narrative? What does she symbolize, and how does Hargrave use this character to develop her themes? Cite textual evidence in your response.

Though this is a piece of historical fiction, do Hargrave’s themes resonate in contemporary life? How so?