Salem Witch Trials

In 1698, the villagers of Salem won the right to establish their own Church. They chose the Reverend Samuel Parris as their minister. Many of the villagers were then sorry that they had done so because of his harsh demands. They then vowed to force him out. There was much pressure surrounding the Parris family. The children of the family would entertain themselves by listening to stories told by Tituba, their slave (National Geographic).

January of 1692 is when the mass hysteria of the Salem witch trials first began. The Puritans of this time were very harsh, unyielding, and quick to judge. They condemned innocent women on the basis of int

. . .
From the answer given by Sarah Good, it seems as if she has just said that she made a contract with the devil. During this time, there was a strong belief in the devil and feeling of superstition. Also, some had previous records of criminal activity, but still others were faithful churchgoers and people of high standing respect. The new Governor, Sir William Phips, who was sent from England, set up a special Court of Oyer and Terminer to hear and decide the remaining witchcraft cases.

Nine year old Betty Parris and eleven year old Abigail Williams, the daughter and niece of Reverend Parris, were the first to start to display signs of strange behavior. She was found guilty and condemned to death. Prayer Services and community fasting were organized by the Reverend Samuel Parris in hopes of relieving the evil forces that supposedly plagued the community. “Have you made no contract with the devil?”, “No”, answered Sarah Good (Hill 43). “The devil came to me and bid me serve him”, she stated in her confession (National Geographic). So the record says, “so they all did look upon her and said this was one of the persons that did torment them” (Hill 44).

Common topics in this essay:
National Geographic, Samuel Parris, Home Page, Governor Phips, Geographic January, Sarah Hill, Bay Colony, Salem Massachusetts, Nathaniel Saltonstall, Abigail Betty, salem home, home page, salem home page, salem witch, salem witch trials, witch trials, court oyer terminer, accused women, court oyer, oyer terminer, national geographic, reverend samuel parris, page salem witch, john hathorne, american fanaticism,

Approximate Word count = 1463
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Already a member? Click here