WARM-UP (100 words)

1. WARM-UP (100 words) True or False: That which doesn’t destroy us only makes us stronger. In your response, you should explain whether or not this true and provide at least one example to support your opinion.

2. The Salem Witch Trials: Boston, MA 1693

3. What were the causes? • Young girls develop “fits,” soon members of the small town are accused of bewitching them (group hysteria) • Neighbors greedy for land (accuse your neighbor and get his land cheap at auction) • Women who inherited land (land=$=power) were accused to reinforce patriarchal values • A possible blight on the wheat crop that results in psychopathic behavior and delusions of grandeur • Puritans were able to cleanse their society of “unwanted” elements • Individuals project their own sins on easy targets

4. Who was accused? • Poor people, beggars, and unwanted elements in Puritan society • Farmers whose neighbors were jealous for land • Individuals that were not noted to be as pious or religious than their neighbors

5. What were the consequences? • Witches were hung after an unfair trial (you’ll see how unfair when we begin reading The Crucible) • Land belonging to the accused was seized and often eventually bought by the accusers • Salem crops actually began to rot in the fields and livestock roamed freely

6. What ended the trials? • Rebecca Nurse, a respected citizen was executed • Governor Pheps’ wife was accused • Riots in neighboring towns increased pressure for Salem to conclude its proceedings.