Witness

While most narrators in Witness tell their story using interior monologue, Reynard, Johnny, and Constable Johnson seem to be addressing an audience. Who are each of the characters addressing, and why are they written in this way?

In Witness, there is no specific reference to time passing or dates, other than Independence Day and Armistice Day. How does Hesse use nature to illustrate the passage of time?

Explain the symbolism and importance of train tracks in Esther’s storyline.

One of Merlin’s few redeeming qualities is loyalty. Explain how and why his loyalties shift in the novel, and what that shift signifies for his character development.

Besides racism and antisemitism, the Klan targets the changing roles of American women. Why would women’s growing independence bother the male narrators who join the Klan? What are their specific objections?

Esther, Merlin, and Leonora all have mentors in the novel. Who are their mentors, and how do those connections help both characters in the relationship to grow and change?

A hypocrite is someone who pretends to be virtuous but whose actions or attitudes are the opposite of virtuous. In what ways is Johnny a hypocrite? How is his position in the community ironic?

Compare Esther to Johnny. In what ways are they similar? How are they different? Does this play into any of the novel’s themes?