Nicholas Noyes was a prominent figure during the Salem witch trials in the late 17th century. He was born in England in 1647 and later immigrated to Massachusetts Bay Colony, where he became a Puritan minister. Noyes was a strong believer in the existence of witchcraft and actively supported the accusations and prosecutions of those accused of witchcraft in Salem. He firmly believed that the Devil was present in the community, influencing people to commit acts of witchcraft. During the trials, Noyes served as one of the main judges and took an influential role in the proceedings. He questioned the accused and their witnesses, often with harsh and leading questions designed to elicit the desired responses.
So many of the techniques of magic and ceremony are related to space, to place, to situating oneself within reality, to calling ourselves back into our bones, our viscera. It’s surprisingly difficult to go back to procrastination, social media addiction, and other forms of trauma-based avoidance after you’ve performed the rites and invocations of witchcraft. Our gods are our guides, leading us by torchlight towards our desired outcome. Calling spiritual powers into the room—protective deities, wise allies—brings us literary witches strength.
Mercury come to me and be my guide assist me in my work, make my speech graceful, guide my soul through the underworld and bring me what is necessary to my thriving. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, G4747 whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage.
He questioned the accused and their witnesses, often with harsh and leading questions designed to elicit the desired responses. Noyes believed that those who showed signs of guilt when questioned were clearly witches and should be condemned. Noyes was known for his zealousness and fervor in seeking out witches within the community.
Wednesday Reboots the Addams Family With a Biting Condemnation of Colonialism—Just in Time For Thanksgiving
I n 1993’s Addams Family Values, Wednesday Addams (Christina Ricci) has been sent away to summer camp, and she is not happy about it. To make matters worse, the camp counselors have written a Thanksgiving-themed play in which they are forcing her to participate, cast as Pocahontas. Wednesday’s nemesis, the obnoxiously chipper Amanda Buckman (Mercedes McNab), stars as the “beautiful and kindly pilgrim lady” Sarah Miller, who has invited Pocahontas’ tribe to the supposed first Thanksgiving. At the last second, Wednesday breaks from the script.
“Wait,” she says, deadpan. “We cannot break bread with you.”
“You have taken the land which is rightfully ours,” she continues. “Years from now, my people will be forced to live in mobile homes on reservations. Your people will wear cardigans and drink highballs. We will sell our bracelets by the roadsides. You will play golf and enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres. My people will have pain and degradation. Your people will have stick shifts. The gods of my tribe have spoken. They have said, ‘Do not trust the pilgrims—especially Sarah Miller.’”
With that, she declares that she will scalp the pilgrims and destroy their village. All hell breaks loose as members of Pocahontas’ tribe of misfits run amok, setting the pilgrim village ablaze.
This iconic scene—seared into the cultural memory (of millennials, at least) although its stereotypes have aged poorly—epitomizes Wednesday Addams’ acerbic sense of justice. And it inspired Miles Milar and Al Gough, the showrunners behind Wednesday, the Netflix horror-comedy series starring Jenna Ortega which is out on Nov. 23. The show is the latest take on a family that first appeared in New Yorker cartoons in 1938, followed by the beloved ‘60s TV show and the ‘90s adaptations starring Ricci, Anjelica Huston, Raúl Julia, and Christopher Lloyd.
“People know her from that moment. So how do we extrapolate that?” says Milar, who along with Gough answered that question with a premise that involved colonial Americans as oppressors. “It felt very effortless to put her in a pilgrim idea. It was very organic to the Addams family.”
He carried out his role with an unwavering sense of righteousness, leading to the conviction and execution of numerous individuals, including Rebecca Nurse and Bridget Bishop. After the trials ended, Noyes continued his ministry and remained a prominent figure in the community. However, his reputation suffered due to his involvement in the witch trials. In later years, as the hysteria surrounding witchcraft subsided, Noyes faced criticism for his actions during the trials. Some people viewed him as part of the problem, contributing to the wrongful accusations and executions that occurred. Others, however, believed that Noyes acted in accordance with his religious beliefs and the prevailing beliefs of the time. Nicholas Noyes passed away in 1717, leaving behind a complex legacy. While he played a significant role in the Salem witch trials, his actions and motivations continue to be a subject of debate and analysis by historians. His involvement serves as a reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the consequences of unchecked beliefs..
Reviews for "The Accusers and the Accused: Nicholas Noyes' Place in the Salem Witch Trials"
1. Michael - 2/5
I found "Nicholas Noyed Salem Witch Trials" to be quite disappointing. The storyline was confusing and lacked proper development. The characters were shallow and poorly portrayed. Furthermore, the writing style was disjointed and difficult to follow. Overall, I am not satisfied with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Rebecca - 1/5
"Nicholas Noyed Salem Witch Trials" was a complete waste of my time. The plot seemed promising, but it quickly spiraled into chaos. The author failed to provide sufficient background information and the characters were one-dimensional. Additionally, the dialogue felt unnatural and forced. I regret picking up this book and would advise others to avoid it.
3. Emily - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Nicholas Noyed Salem Witch Trials", but I ended up feeling let down. The story had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was off, making it hard to stay engaged. The author also relied heavily on stereotypes, which was disappointing. The book lacked the depth and nuance that I was expecting, ultimately leaving me unsatisfied.
4. David - 2/5
While "Nicholas Noyed Salem Witch Trials" had an interesting premise, the execution fell short for me. The writing style was lackluster and failed to captivate my attention. The characters felt underdeveloped, making it hard to empathize with their struggles. Overall, this book failed to deliver the engaging and thought-provoking experience I was hoping for.