During the late 17th century, the people of New England found themselves **plagued by witch fever**. Witchcraft was seen as a real and dangerous force, and suspicion quickly spread among the communities. The hysteria reached its peak in Salem, Massachusetts, where more than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft. The panic surrounding witchcraft can be traced back to a combination of religious beliefs, social tensions, and fear of the unknown. Puritan settlers believed in the existence of witches and viewed them as servants of the devil. They saw witches as a threat to their community and their religious way of life.
Smallpox swept through colonial New England communities regularly. Symptoms of the very contagious disease, which killed 3 out of 10 infected people, included fever and rash. Survivors were left with scars, often on their face, and some became blind. It is not known where smallpox originated, but according to the CDC, “a smallpox-like rash found on three mummies” indicate the disease may have begun in the Egyptian Empire as early as the third century BCE. Outbreaks of disease frequently heightened witchcraft suspicions, leading neighbors to view one another with distrust and anger, and launching grudges that could last for decades. One very clear example of the relationship between disease and witchcraft suspicions is the accusation of Martha Carrier during the Salem witch trials. Sometime between 1684 and 1689, Goodwife Carrier and her husband Thomas moved from Billerica to Andover. Shortly after they arrived, a smallpox outbreak began in the Carrier family and thirteen townspeople died, among them seven members of Carrier’s family: her father, two brothers, two nephews, one sister-in-law, and one brother-in-law. Many in the community blamed the Carrier family for the outbreak, a grievance that was not soon forgotten. In 1692, when witchcraft accusations began to spread from Salem Village across Essex County, Martha Carrier was the first person to be accused in Andover. This innocent woman, who accusers claimed the Devil had promised would be “the Queen in Hell,” was hanged on August 19, 1692.
While there is no medicine to cure or treat yellow fever, which is endemic in areas of Africa and Latin America, there is a vaccine and today yellow fever is a rare cause of sickness in US travelers. He asked them why they should think that he should come to that Village to afflict those persons that he never knew or saw before -From the Examination of John Alden.
They saw witches as a threat to their community and their religious way of life. Accusations of witchcraft were often based on gossip, hearsay, and personal vendettas. The accused were subjected to trials, which were often unfair and biased.
Salem Witch Trials
"Here is a clear evidence that [you have] been not only a Tormenter [but that] You have caused one to sig[ne the] book, the night before last [What do]you say to this?
I never saw the book in my life and I never saw these persons before."
-From the Examination of Sarah Wildes
"And what grief of heart it brings to a tender conscience, to have been unwittingly encouraging of the Sufferings of the innocent."
-From A Modest Enquiry Into the Nature of Witchcraft by Rev. John Hale
"When he was upon the ladder, he made a speech for the clearing of his innocency, with such solemn and serious expressions as were to the admiration of all present; his prayer…was so well worded, and uttered with such composedness as such fervency of spirit, as was very Affecting, and drew tears from many, so that it seemed to some that the spectators would hinder the execution."
-Robert Calef, regarding George Burroughs’ speech prior to his execution
"I will say it, if it was my last time, I am clear of this sin."
-Mary Eastey
"Thankes be to the Lord I know my selfe altogether Innocent & Ignorant of the crime of witchcraft w'ch is layd to my charge…your poor and humble petition'r doe humbly begge and Implore of yo'r Excellencye to take it into yo'r pious and Judicious consideration that some speedy Course may be taken w'th me for my releasement that I and my children perish not through meanes of my close confinement here…"
-Abigail Faulkner
"[He] asked them why they should think that he should come to that Village to afflict those persons that he never knew or saw before…"
-From the Examination of John Alden
"It being Asked of her how she could soe pinch & hurt them and yet she be at that distance personally from them she Answered she did not then hurt them. nor never did. she was Asked who then did it, or who she Imployed to doe it, she Answered she did not know that the divell goes aboute in her likeness to doe any hurt."
-From the Examination of Sarah Osborne
"When did I hurt thee?
A great many times.
Oh! you are a grievous liar."
-From the Examination of Sarah Cloyce
"I [believe] the reports have been Scandalous, and unjust, neither will bear the light… and I [believe] many Innocent persons have been accused, & Imprisoned, the Conceit of Spectre Evidence as an infallible mark did too far [prevail] with us…"
- Rev. Francis Dane of Andover
"Goodwife Bridges said that she had confessed against herself things which were all utterly false; and that she was brought to her confession by being told that she certainly was a witch, and so made to believe it, -- though she had no other grounds so to believe."
- From Rev. Increase Mather's Report of his Conversation in Prison with Mary Bridges, Sr.
"I. am straingly surprized that any person should speake or thinke of her as one worthy to be susspicted of any such crime that she is now charged with. "
- From Testimony of William Hubbard for Sarah Buckley
"Goodwife Bridges said that she had confessed against herself things which were all utterly false; and that she was brought to her confession by being told that she certainly was a witch, and so made to believe it, -- though she had no other grounds so to believe."
- From Rev. Increase Mather's Report of his Conversation in Prison with Mary Bridges, Sr.
Spectral evidence, where the testimony of afflicted individuals claiming to see the accused in their spectral form, was accepted as evidence, despite its questionable reliability. The Salem witch trials resulted in the execution of twenty people, while several others died in jail awaiting trial. The aftermath of the trials left a lasting impact on the community, causing rifts and divisions that took years to heal. The **plague of witch fever** that gripped New England serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the need for justice and fairness in society. It highlights the destructive power of fear and superstition, and the importance of critical thinking and skepticism. Today, the Salem witch trials are seen as a dark chapter in American history, a cautionary tale of the dangers of allowing fear and suspicion to dictate our actions..
Reviews for "Witch Fever and the Trial Process: The Role of Torture and Forced Confessions"
1. Tom - 2/5 - While Plagued by Witch Fever promises an interesting premise about wallpaper and witchcraft, I found it to be a disappointment overall. The book is filled with repetitive information and lacks depth in its storytelling. The illustrations, while visually appealing, do little to enhance the narrative. I expected a more comprehensive exploration of the historical context and its connection to witchcraft, but instead, it felt superficial and rushed. Overall, I felt let down by Plagued by Witch Fever and wouldn't recommend it to those seeking an in-depth analysis of the subject matter.
2. Emily - 2/5 - Plagued by Witch Fever fails to live up to its intriguing title. While the concept of exploring the connection between wallpaper and witchcraft sounded fascinating, the execution fell flat. The book offers a repetitive and shallow investigation into the topic, providing little new information or insights. Additionally, the illustrations, though aesthetically pleasing, do not contribute significantly to the narrative. The lack of depth and analysis left me unsatisfied, and I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a captivating exploration of the subject.
3. David - 3/5 - I had high hopes for Plagued by Witch Fever, but unfortunately, it left me feeling underwhelmed. The book starts off promisingly, discussing the historical context of wallpaper and its potential connection to witchcraft. However, it quickly becomes repetitive and lacks the depth I was expecting. While the illustrations are beautiful, they do not add much to the overall narrative. Furthermore, the book fails to provide a comprehensive exploration of the subject, leaving many questions unanswered. Overall, Plagued by Witch Fever falls short of its potential and left me wanting more from its analysis.
4. Jessica - 2/5 - Plagued by Witch Fever initially caught my attention with its unique subject matter. However, the book failed to deliver on its promise of providing an engaging exploration of the connection between wallpaper and witchcraft. The information presented feels repetitive and lacks depth. The illustrations, though visually appealing, do little to enhance the reading experience or offer any new insights. I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to those seeking a thorough examination of the topic.
5. Michael - 3/5 - Plagued by Witch Fever touches on an interesting topic but fails to fully dive into its potential. The book is repetitive, with limited new information or insights. While the illustrations are visually appealing, they don't contribute much to the overall narrative. I was left wanting more depth and analysis, as the book felt lacking in substance. While it may appeal to those looking for a light introduction to the subject, it wouldn't satisfy individuals seeking a comprehensive exploration of the topic.