What do you think makes Susanna's birth different from that of the twins? How does this manifest itself in each of the children's relationships with their mother?

What do you think makes Susanna's birth different from that of the twins? How does this manifest itself in each of the children's relationships with their mother?

I really felt for Susanna. I think Agnes was so convinced she had to guard Judith that she kind of neglected the other children. Hamnet had Judith, too, but Susanna only had her overly critical grandmother except for the rare occasions her father came home. She becomes super responsible, but also resentful of her position - a bit of a martyr because she feels like she's the only one keeping the household functioning.

I have to re-read parts of this book, but I thought Susanna was born outside? Didn’t Agnes feel that she had to be outside to give birth? And then for the twins, family members were watching her so this wouldn’t happen. Correct me if I’m wrong!

JulieP - That's correct. Agnes didn't want to have any of her children inside. She got away with having Susanna in the woods but she was intercepted when she tried to do the same for the twins.

On the eve of Susanna's birth, Agnes dreams that her late mother tells her: "The branches of the forest are so dense you cannot feel the rain." This cryptic message leads Agnes to a forest hollow, where she used to play with her brother. At times, her labor pains threaten to overtake her; but she is comforted by the sight of a rowan tree, and gives birth safely.
The birth of the twins catches Agnes off guard. Her labor arrives earlier than expected, and allows her mother-in-law Mary to trap her indoors. The twins' birth is an exhausting ordeal; and Judith barely survives. Afterwards, Agnes questions the foresight and confidence with which she'd once viewed the world. Like Mary, who has had to bury multiple children, Agnes now feels a crippling fear for her children's safety, and feels she will do anything to protect them. With her husband away, Agnes is at the heart of all three of her children's lives. Susanna, though, who feels both trapped at home and neglected is angry and resentful.

I felt Susanas birth was free away from manmade trappings and false securities fir life, the significance of being born alone with her mother outside in nature vs the twins being confined and forced to give birth indoors surrounded by people Agnes wasn’t especially close to. Agnes feels Susanna is better equipped to take care of herself than the twins because of this omen hushed heard. I found this very interesting!