Chapter 10

Question 1

“They are the children of the strangers,” I told her. They have no faces

Answer 1

ANALYSIS
* The term ‘strangers’ likely refers to the villagers, indicating her sense of alienation and mistrust.
* “They have no faces,” suggests a dehumanization or an unwillingness to acknowledge their individuality, further highlighting Merricat’s disconnect and fear of the outside world.

MESSAGE
* Serves as Jackson’s commentary on the fear and mistrust towards the ‘other’, which can result in dehumanization or stereotyping
* It could also be a critique of societal norms that promote exclusion and alienation of those who are considered different

Question 2

Perhaps they came in darkness not to be recognized, as though each of them wanted to hide from the others, and bringing us food was somehow a shameful thing to do in public

Answer 2

ANALYSIS
* After their destructive actions towards the Blackwood sisters, the villagers attempt to offer food, a symbol of remorse and reconciliation.
* However, their choice to do so in darkness suggests their continued fear and prejudice, as well as their unwillingness to publicly acknowledge their guilt or extend empathy towards the sisters.

MESSAGE
* It highlights how society often fails to take responsibility for harm caused, choosing instead to make token gestures of remorse that lack sincerity, often carried out in secrecy or shame.
* Jackson underscores the harmful consequences of such societal hypocrisy and calls for genuine acknowledgment and correction of wrongdoing.

Question 3

They hate little boys and little girls. The difference is, they eat the little girls.

Answer 3

ANALYSIS
* The phrase “they eat the little girls” might metaphorically represent the consumption and destruction of female individuality and agency within a patriarchal society.

MESSAGE
* This quote could be seen as a critique of gender dynamics and the oppressive societal norms that disproportionately target and harm females.
* Jackson might be suggesting that societal structures often consume and silence females, pushing them to the margins and denying them their rights and freedoms.