Rebellion 1776

The novel presents a spectrum of deception, from Elsbeth’s strategic self-preservation to Captain Hunter’s malicious exploitation. Analyze how the novel uses characterization and circumstance to argue for a situational morality, where the justification for a lie depends on the power and intent of the liar.

How does the retrospective narration of an adult Elsbeth shape the novel’s tone and themes while guiding the reader’s interpretation of the morally ambiguous choices she made when she was younger?

The novel uses domestic spaces, such as Judge Bellingham’s decaying house, the Pikes’ ruined mansion, and Elsbeth’s cold attic room, to reflect the psychological states and social shifts of its characters. Analyze how the transformation of these settings parallels the broader political upheaval of the Revolution.