salam witch trials
Salem Witch Trials”
• 1. How do the Salem witchcraft trials fit into the historical context of witchcraft persecution?
The Salem witchcraft trials fit perfectly into the historical context of witchcraft persecution. As in Salem, in the history of witchcraft the people that were accused of witchcraft where murdered in a brutal way. In circa 560 B.C., “The Bible condemns witches.” It reads that “A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.” The main word that I found to be very consistent is “Torture.” For example in 1591, King James authorized the torture of suspected witches in Scotland. Just like all over the world all people that where accused of witchcraft and convicted (not always convicted.) The person was put to death by a very inhuman way. In Salem most where put to death by hanging but one was crushed by the weight of stones.
2. What are some of the possible explanations for the outbreak of “witchcraft” in Salem? It was a time of trouble, making it seem likely that Satan was active like smallpox, congregational strife in the Salem Village, and frontier wars with Indians. When the local Doctor examed the children and could not figure out what was wrong with them. He decided to blame it on a spiritual thing that started it all. I think because since he was a doctor the locals in the village believed whatever he said to be true. When the villagers heard that it had something to do with spirits I believe that rumers got started. With the children starting to do contortions with their bodies really startled the people that seen them do it and with the rumors and gossip already in play, it got even worse. There is a good possibility that the children where only doing this because of boredom or a type of illness. With the local villagers already thinking that Satan and witches were amongst them every time a person seen something
• 1. How do the Salem witchcraft trials fit into the historical context of witchcraft persecution?
The Salem witchcraft trials fit perfectly into the historical context of witchcraft persecution. As in Salem, in the history of witchcraft the people that were accused of witchcraft where murdered in a brutal way. In circa 560 B.C., “The Bible condemns witches.” It reads that “A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.” The main word that I found to be very consistent is “Torture.” For example in 1591, King James authorized the torture of suspected witches in Scotland. Just like all over the world all people that where accused of witchcraft and convicted (not always convicted.) The person was put to death by a very inhuman way. In Salem most where put to death by hanging but one was crushed by the weight of stones.
2. What are some of the possible explanations for the outbreak of “witchcraft” in Salem? It was a time of trouble, making it seem likely that Satan was active like smallpox, congregational strife in the Salem Village, and frontier wars with Indians. When the local Doctor examed the children and could not figure out what was wrong with them. He decided to blame it on a spiritual thing that started it all. I think because since he was a doctor the locals in the village believed whatever he said to be true. When the villagers heard that it had something to do with spirits I believe that rumers got started. With the children starting to do contortions with their bodies really startled the people that seen them do it and with the rumors and gossip already in play, it got even worse. There is a good possibility that the children where only doing this because of boredom or a type of illness. With the local villagers already thinking that Satan and witches were amongst them every time a person seen something