“Some brought what they could and what they believed would work. Stuffed in apron pockets, strung around their necks, lying in the space between their breasts. Others brought Christian faith—as shield and sword. Most brought a little of both. They had no idea what they would do once they got there. They just started out, walked down Bluestone Road and came together at the agreed-upon time. The heat kept a few
women who promised to go at home. Others who believed the story didn’t want any part of the confrontation and wouldn’t have come no matter what the weather. And there were those like Lady Jones who didn’t believe the story and hated the ignorance of those who did. So thirty women made up that company and walked slowly, slowly toward 124”.
From this, I would assume that a group of people are heading to 124 for either a party or prayer, since the group is 30 people. However, the quotation mentioned some of the group members bring Christian faith as a shield and sword. I realize that they aren’t going to a party or prayer now, since they brought something as a symbol of protection. The group is most likely heading towards something evil or dangerous; a ghost or spirit perhaps. The group is also composed of 3 types of people. The believers, non-believers, and everyone else. This moment is very familiar, similar to that of Shrek, when the group of men approach his home with pitchforks and torches. In this case, a group of men are approaching the house of 124 with items of Christian faith. Both seem to want to ward off what they believe to be “evil”.
