Who introduced Booth to John Harrison Surratt at school?

• A. Dr. Mudd
• B. Mary Jane Welles
• C. Dr. Leale
• D. John Surratt

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is how social networks link people together in the narrative. In the story, Booth’s connection to John Harrison Surratt at school comes through a local physician who knew both of them. Dr. Samuel Mudd treated Booth after the assassination and, being in the same Maryland community, was in a position to bring Booth into contact with members of the Surratt family. He introduces Booth to John Harrison Surratt at school, creating the link between the two. The other figures listed don’t serve that bridging role in the tale—Mary Jane Welles isn’t described as the introducer, Dr. Leale is connected to Lincoln’s care, and John Surratt is the person Booth meets, not the one who introduces him.