When a Witch is Young

Name: When a Witch is Young
Author: Philip Verrill Mighels

The narrative unfolds in 1676 Massachusetts, amidst the aftermath of King Philip's War. The story begins with the death of King Philip, the Wampanoag leader, and the subsequent celebration by the Puritan settlers in Plymouth. Among the crowd is a young white boy, Adam Rust, who was raised by the Wampanoags and is now a captive. His emotional turmoil is palpable as he witnesses the brutalities of war and the execution of his foster father, Annawon. As the story progresses, Adam escapes from captivity and is rescued by William Phipps, a shipbuilder who becomes a father figure to him. Adam's past is revealed: he was the son of a Puritan who had befriended the Wampanoags, and he had been raised in their culture. His experiences shape his identity, torn between his love for the Puritans and his loyalty to the Native Americans. The narrative shifts to Garde Merrill, a young Puritan girl who becomes enamored with Adam after witnessing his plight during the war. Their paths cross again when Adam returns to Plymouth, and Garde's feelings for him deepen. However, complications arise with the arrival of Henry Wainsworth, who also has affections for Garde. This love triangle creates tension, as Adam grapples with his feelings for Garde while feeling a sense of loyalty to Wainsworth. As the story unfolds, Adam embarks on a treasure-hunting expedition with Phipps, seeking fortune in the Caribbean. Their journey is fraught with danger, including a pirate attack that tests their courage and camaraderie. Adam's bravery shines through as he fights to protect his crew and the ship. Meanwhile, Garde is caught in her own struggles, feeling the weight of her grandfather's expectations and the pressure to marry Edward Randolph, a man with dubious intentions. Garde's internal conflict intensifies as she navigates her feelings for Adam and the societal pressures surrounding her. The climax of the story occurs when Adam and Phipps return to Boston after their adventures, only to find that Garde is being courted by Randolph. Adam's jealousy and frustration boil over, leading to a confrontation that forces Garde to choose between her duty to her family and her love for Adam. Ultimately, the narrative explores themes of love, loyalty, and the complexities of identity in a time of conflict. Adam's journey from a captive boy to a young man seeking his place in the world mirrors Garde's own evolution as she grapples with her feelings and the expectations placed upon her. The story concludes with a sense of hope, as both characters find the strength to pursue their desires amidst the challenges they face.

By Philip Verrill Mighels · First published 1910 · Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure · 60 chapters · 148,282 words

First lines

THE first, the last-the only King the Americans ever had, was dead. It was the 13th day of August, in the year 1676. The human emotions of the Puritan people of Massachusetts tugged at the shackles of a long repression and broke them asunder, in the seemly town of Plymouth. King Philip, the mighty Sachem of the Wampanoag Indians, had been slain. His warriors were scattered and slaughtered. His war was ended.

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When a Witch is Young is listed on Textopian as a novel by Philip Verrill Mighels, dated 1910 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Philip Verrill Mighels
Date: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure, Fiction, Romance
Length: 148,282 words
Structure: 62 chapters, 2,408 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for When a Witch is Young by Philip Verrill Mighels
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The book features magical elements and a witch as a central character, typical of the fantasy genre.
Young Adult — The themes and character development are geared towards a younger audience, focusing on coming-of-age experiences.
Adventure — The plot likely includes adventurous quests or challenges faced by the protagonist.
Fiction — The narrative is a work of fiction, exploring imaginative scenarios and characters.