Final answer:
The Reverend Bidwell changed his view of Sarah's character from a trusted and spiritually guided individual to someone who embodies strength and independence, challenging his initial perceptions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Reverend Bidwell is a character that seems to shift his views on Sarah's character. Initially, there is an implied sense of trust and spiritual guidance, as would be expected from a reverend's interactions with a member of his congregation.
However, through Sarah's actions and apparent defiance of social and religious expectations, the Reverend appears to grapple with understanding Sarah and ultimately sees her in a different light. As we navigate Sarah's bold move of occupying the new barn, assign meaning to her choices, and observe the reactions of church and community members, it becomes clear that Sarah's determination and autonomy challenge the Reverend's initial perception of her character.
Dialogue and actions within the text suggest a change from seeing her as a pious and conforming individual to one that embodies strength, independence, and to some extent, rebellion against the norms. The complexity of understanding someone's character, especially when they break away from the expected norms, is evident in the text excerpts.