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Vocabulary:
- Confess = say you did something wrong
- Prisoner = person kept in jail
- Trapped = unable to escape
Story:
Some innocent people confess because they are afraid of being killed. A confession can sometimes save their life. But the court wants them to name other witches too. That creates more accusations, more fear, and more prisoners.
Refusing to confess looks like refusing to follow God. Many people feel trapped. Whether they confess or not, they may still be punished.
It becomes almost impossible to prove innocence.
Comprehension Questions:
13. Why would an innocent person confess?
- A. To become famous in the colony
- B. To avoid paying fines
- C. To avoid execution and hope for mercy
- D. To qualify for free land
14. What happens after someone confesses?
- A. They are immediately released without punishment
- B. They must name other supposed witches, creating more accusations
- C. They are exiled to another colony
- D. They are forced to leave the church permanently