Massachusetts, December 1690 Summary

The story opens with the Carrier family on the road, traveling from their farm in Billerica, Mass. nine miles to Andover in an attempt to outrun smallpox. However, they are unaware that actually carry the disease because it has already infected Andrew, the middle son. Not unlike the Okies of the Depression-era Dust Bowl, the Carrier have all their worldly possessions crammed into a wagon that creaks and groans as they slowly made their flight from certain death. They head to the home of Grandmother Carrier, the mother of Martha. Upon their arrival, Grandmother tries to convince Thomas to attend church so she and the family will not be the brunt of Reverend Barnard's wrath. She asks him to do it for the sake of his wife and children. He replies that he will do it for his children and for...