Final answer:
When John chooses to visit Mercy instead of attending the husking bee in 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond', it is seen by the townspeople as a sign of disrespect due to the social expectations of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the book The Witch of Blackbird Pond, when John says he'd rather visit Mercy and speak to Matthew Wood instead of going to the husking bee, the townspeople view it as a sign of disrespect. This reaction stems from the social expectations of the time, where community events such as a husking bee were important social gatherings.
Choosing to visit someone instead could be seen as disregarding communal bonds and responsibilities. The Puritan society depicted in literature often held strict codes of conduct, and husking bees were not only about work but also about socializing and reinforcing community ties.
When John says he'd rather visit Mercy and speak to Matthew Wood instead of going to the husking bee in "The Witch of Blackbird Pond," the townspeople view it as a sign of disrespect. In the Puritan society depicted in the novel, social events like the husking bee were important for community bonding and adherence to societal norms.
By prioritizing his personal interests over the community gathering, John is seen as going against the expectations and values of the townspeople.
Therefore answer is c) The townspeople view it as a sign of disrespect.