Lib Hancock Character Analysis in Year of Wonders

Lib is Anna’s childhood friend. At the outset of the novel, they often stop to gossip together, but Anna feels betrayed when Lib succumbs to hysteria and is complicit in the mob killing of Mem and Anys Gowdie. When Lib catches the plague and dies before Anna can visit and reconcile with her, Anna realizes the importance of forgiveness.

Lib Hancock Character Timeline in Year of Wonders

The timeline below shows where the character Lib Hancock appears in Year of Wonders. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Female Sexuality and Friendship Theme Icon

As she walks Anna passes the Riley farm, where her friend Lib Hancock lives with her husband as tenant farmers. They sit for a minute to catch... (full context)

...moors when she comes across an inebriated and hysterical mob of villagers, including her friend Lib and neighbor Mary. The mob is attacking Mem Gowdie, accusing her of witchcraft and, convinced... (full context)

...and is therefore the witch culpable for the plague. When Anna tries to defend Anys, Lib points out that Anna herself said Anys “consorted with” George, the first plague victim. The... (full context)

...them, while Mompellion performs rites over the dead. One of the afflicted is Anna’s friend Lib, to whom she hasn’t spoken since Lib was involved in Anys’ murder. Anna hurries to... (full context)