Becky
How does the story depict the small town through which the missionary is riding?
prone to violence and feuding, as evidenced by the bullet holes
Becky agrees to forgive the widow…
in exchange for the widow's public confession for her lies
What crime is Becky Day convicted of in the book?
Theft
How does the community respond to the pardon?
Support and understanding
What is an arraignment?
the act of calling or bringing someone to court to answer to a criminal charge
What is Becky Day's condition?
She is sick and dying
Before dying, Becky reveals…
That she forgave the widow to get into heaven with Jim
What is the relationship between Becky and the widow?
In their youth, the widow Marcum lies about Becky Day's moral uprightness in order to steal her boyfriend.
Who are the main characters in the story?
Becky; missionary
What is the meaning of contrition?
state of feeling remorse or sorrow
The missionary convinces the widow to…
Ask Becky for forgiveness after to avoid being cursed by the dying woman
What did Becky look like?
Her brows were straight, her nose was rather high, and her eyes were clear and gray.
What is the main theme of the story?
Forgiveness
What does the flood represent?
contributes to conflict in the story; that everyone will die one day
What happened to Becky's lips at the end of the story?
They were cold, but there was a smile
Why does Becky hate the widow?
The widow lied about Becky to steal Jim from her, starting this feud and killing Jim in the process
What is the purpose of a pardon?
To grant forgiveness
What does the pardon process symbolize?
Renewal and rebirth
What's a missionary?
a person sent on a religious mission; sent to promote Christianity in a different region
What does the term enmity mean?
enemy
What convinces Becky to consider forgiveness?
The idea that what she does in her last moments determines her afterlife
Who is the author?
John Fox Jr
Which of the following best summarizes the recent events between the two families?
A fight broke out the day before, one month after the widow's husband was killed, which restarted an old feud
What is the meaning of imperiously?
in a commanding way