Salem Witch Trials: A Brief Summary

Norton aims to explain the Salem Witchcraft Crisis in a way that has never been done before. She has decide to take a historical approach to illustrate the heinous acts committed towards these people, majority women in 1692. Her argument is that she is going to use her own narrative to tell the “true” story of what really happened during this period. “My narrative builds on the research and interpretations advanced in prior works on Salem; at the same time, it disagrees with many aspects of those interpretations. In addition to studying the trials, as have most other historians, I examine the broader crisis that produced the trials.” Norton’ main thesis is clearly stated in the introduction of the book, but the question remains, will she achieve that goal?
The basis of her interpretation of this novel as stated before is based on research and other works. Throughout this book the author list countless sources to help explain her interpretation of the context of this time period. She also lists plenty historical dates, trial records, letters and diaries, and places to help further this interpretation and accuracy. One might argue that this a historical novel, which is just like every other novel, but the book contextualized the story in a way that was historical yet entertaining. With dates and places listed she also,
included maps of the locations, which assisted in helping the audience visually understand the context. Also, with her interpretation, she includes the many troubles with the local people and the indigenous who lived their prior.
Norton, included tremendous historical data, to aide in her narrative, and the most significant of the information was the constant strife endured by the indigenous and European immigrants. She also argued that because of the strong religious background and the constant wars between the two parties led to the mass trials. Her interpretation is that the people were suffering because of their “sin” and the cause was because some people were practicing witchcraft. Norton’s historical references led to this interpretation, which gives a better understanding of this crisis, while bringing more information to light.
A point should be made that Norton can be considered one of the most credible individual in her field of work, which makes her an excellent candidate for writing this novel.
She has earned many degrees, which include a Ph.D. from Harvard University and a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Not only has she earned the highest degree possible in her field from one if not the most accredited institution in the world. She has also written many books, including textbooks and has appeared in documentaries surrounding the Salem witch trails. With just a few accolades to list, this makes her one of the most credible authors and historians in this specific
topic.
In the words of Edmund Burke, "In history, a great volume is unrolled for our instruction, drawing the materials of future wisdom from the past errors and infirmities of mankind." Like the quote, Norton’s novel is explain the implications and the causes of these various against the people of that time. She aims to inform and educate her audience in a way that is appealing, but also very historical in its context. Her purpose has always been to take a different approach to explaining this material, which she did just that. Norton’s’ constant need to provide historical context with maps, dates, and locations has proven to be very beneficial when describing this particular era.