SuitabookThe Witch of Fourth Street and Other Stories
Myron Levoy
- Reading
- Read one story at a time and pause after Cathy’s story to separate what happens from what she believes. Invite the reader to compare how different children respond to work, shame, creativity and generosity.
- Themes
- Childhood fear and uncertainty: Cathy believes an old woman can transform her if she does not surrender a penny, and she later comes down with a fever. The story clearly places a child’s fear beside an illness, but it is not established whether the supernatural belief is confirmed or challenged.
- Poverty, work and dignity: The children grow up poor, while Noreen feels ashamed of working in her father’s fish store and other families pursue a better life in New York. Hardship and embarrassment are clearly present, but the collection’s broader judgement about poverty, work and dignity cannot be determined from the available details.
- Ingenuity and generosity: Keplik builds masterpieces from used matchsticks, and other stories involve charity, a Hanukkah Santa Claus and a neighbourhood community. These situations suggest attention to creativity and generosity, but it is not clear whether the book endorses particular forms of charity or presents them critically.
- Worth knowing
- Pay attention to how poverty, paid work and family pride shape the children’s choices. Cathy’s belief about the ‘witch’ and her fever may also prompt discussion of fear, coincidence and what adults tell children.