Lasting Effect Of The Salem Witch Trials - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 8 Words: 2280 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2019/05/28 Category History Essay Level High school Topics: Salem Witch Trials Essay Did you like this example? The Salem witch trials was an iconic part of American history. It has been an ongoing topic of discussion for historians. The Salem trials have been the subject of numerous plays, novels and researches. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Lasting Effect Of The Salem Witch Trials" essay for you Create order The trials have peaked the interests of a varied array of people right from the moment they took place. Although they took place three and a half centuries ago the trials have been re-visited through different time periods. Currently, in the twenty-first century many of Salem Villagers (current day Danvers) attractions are places such as the Salem Witch Museum and the Witch House, these places are not only a popular destination for tourists but also for locals. HOW IT ALL STARTED Salem village located in the Northern coast of Massachusetts was infamously known for its 1692 witch trials. The witch trials in Salem erupted as the witch craze in Europe began to fizzle. Although the witch frenzy in America began with Salem, and then it spread to numerous nearby localities. During this time frame the 500+ inhabitants of Salem lived in two very discrete communities, there was Salem Village and Salem Town. While Salem Town was located closer to the Atlantic, filled with many influential citizens and any possible forms of communication with the outside world, had become a metropolitan of sorts. While on community was bustling with life, the other one was tucked into the nook; surrounded by wilderness. The village was known for its agriculture, and farm land, but was cut off from and sense of modern thinking. The inhabitants of Salem village were mainly farmers and servants who abided by the more traditional and religious ideas. With this backward thinking itrs easy to see why Salem was able to succumb to the idea of witch practices. The witch fever in Salem started when young girls in the village began displaying symptoms of choking, fits and seizures. In January of 1692 the 9 year old daughter and the 11 year old niece of the Reverend Samuel Parish began to show these symptoms. Soon these symptoms were displayed by other girls in the community. In this time period there was lack of medical expertise who could correctly diagnose the situation, It then when there was no conclusion about the source of the girls ailment that local doctor William Griggs in accordance to the general attitude and beliefs at the time; made a diagnosis that the conditions of the girls at Salem was not one due to a medical illness but one caused by an evil hand [Ray]. When the girls were questioned about the source of their ailment they refused to answer until one girl finally gave in and pointed her finger at Tituba; the mixed breed slave of Reverend Parish. They claimed that they had been under the influence of witchcraft; under the influence of the devil. The girls played a vital role in the process of getting two other women alongside Tituba guilty of practicing witchcraft. During the trials of these three women the girls were heavily relied on. When Tituba eventually confessed to the crime of dabbling in Witchcraft she said The Devil came to me and bid me serve him. In her confession she admitted that she was guilty if partaking in witchcraft, she said that she and the two other women had signed the book of the devil, with the mission of destroying the puritans. Contrary to Dr.Griggs diagnostic, medical research has shown that the reason for the symptoms was a fungal poisoning. The fungal poisoning was caused by the consumption of bread that had been made from rye that had been infected by fungi. Itrs not quite surprising that these symptoms have occurred considering the fact that bread (and other grain) were a staple food; in Salem and nearby towns. The weather conditions at the time were also in favor of the fungal growth. This fungal epidemic didnt start with Salem. Similar symptoms had occurred periodically in Europe several years prior to the witch trials of 1692 [Caporael 23]. RELIGION and MISOGNY AS A FACTOR It is important to look at the religious scenario at the time. Religion was an integral part of Salem, the Puritan ideology was deeply rooted in the members of its society. The people of this society from the moment they were born were invested into this lifestyle, and it would follow them into the afterlife. They believed in the existence of an afterlife and that their crimes before death would follow them there [Stone 3]. In order to ensure that everyone could read the Bible there was an emphasis on literacy. Members of the society were expected to abide by a strict morale code and adhere to a rigorous church schedule. Anyone who chose to rebel was worthy of punishment from god. The Puritans were deeply devoted to God and strongly believe in his power, they were afraid of the punishment he would cast upon them. Therefore they try to avoid partaking in activities that would categorize them as sinners at any cost. For puritans holiness was a matter of the soul, being unable to attain this would mean you were unworthy. As a child being born into the Puritan society would mean that you were told stories of hellfire and made to fear eternal domination if one was sinful [Stone 3]. The amount of faith they had in god was immense, but they equally believed in the existence of the Devil. This fear in the devil meant that by association witches; practitioners of the dark arts who were influenced by the devil, were also sinners. Not only is this a fear in the devil itrs also a fear of the unknown. In this situation almost anybody could be accused of practicing magic. But contrary to the misogyny centered European witch hunts, the Salem trials had several men who were tried and hanged. During the trials it was uncommon for a women to accuse her husband of witchcraft, but this courtesy wasnt extended to them. There were a number of men who would eagerly accuse their wives. Similar to this situation it was uncommon for the men to accuse other men [Washington Post]. The accused women were commonly childless, or they were considered to be old hags. Not only were the women in their community mainly accused, but a vast number of Native Americans were also accused of colluding with the devil. This was due to the reason that that the Natives did not worship any god or have a religion. In the eyes of the puritans it meant that they could easily succumb to the influence of the devil [Stone 5]. An example of this would be Tituba; the mixed race Native Indian and African slave from Barbado s, who was accused of witchcraft by the girls in the Parish household. It can be said that the Puritan ideology is a form of theocracy. Theocracy is a form of government where religion plays a pivotal part in the final judgment. As defined by the Oxford English Dictionary theocracy is a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god. This form of government was commonly followed by early civilizations and started to diminish after the age of enlightenment [Encyclopedia Britannica]. Contrary to what sources have said it can be seen that this form of government was followed during the time of the Salem witch trials. The Salem Witch trials are an example of how religious extremism and misogyny lead to the ill-fated death of many people. As mentioned above there men, who were also a part of the trial, but in contrast to the number of men who were hanged there was a greater number of women who were hanged. The fact that there were men who were willing to claim their wives as witches was a result in the piety they had towards god. The puritans had blind faith in what was preached in the bible. What is ironic about this situation is that the ones who mainly accused people of witchcraft were not those of a lower and less educated background, but those where who were well known in society and had the most knowledge about witches. The unfair amount of accusations throw at women in comparison to those thrown at men during the witch trials can easily be seen. This unfairness can be due to the fact that women during the 16th century were challenged at every turn. The patriarchal system which wouldnt let them act according to their wishes. Although women never demonstrated any modern methods of feminism; such as rallies they tried to express themselves in the conditions they were facing. An increase in the education of women regarding subjects such as politics and culture let to the empowerment to these women. In the dynamics of the 16th century women were only allowed a limited amount of involvement in social affairs. They were advised against taking any political stance that countered the views of their husbands.in this society women were more or less expected to take charge or domestic affairs and nothing more than that, speaking up against this never ending cycle of patriarchy would mean that they could be thr own out of their homes. In specific if an unmarried women were to voice her opinion then she would be the focus of a witch hunt. The members of the society would feel that she was possessed by the devil for disrupting their way of life. An example of this would be the case of Anne Hutchinson; although this isnt in the context of Salem itrs an example of a women who was tried for when she voiced her opinion and took part in controversial activities. Anne Hutchinson, was a well educated women, who followed the puritan ideology. She challenged the authority of the clergy, and for doing so she was accused of witchcraft. After denying the transubstantiation charge and refusing to incriminate other puritan women she was claimed to be guilty. After being found guilty by the court she was burned at the stake. A feminist study conducted by Karlsen dealt with witchcraft on a mass scale. Her study, A Devil the Shape of Women analyses data on the witch trials from both Europe and New England. Her Analysis of these trials draw the conclusion that a majority of the people executed under the claim of witchcraft were mainly women who were over the age of 40 or unable to give birth. Karlsen also claims that the women who were accused did not fit into the traditional patriarchal framework. These women were not obedient housewives but rather chose to voice their opinions, they did not aid in the reinforcement of male domination within their home or in the community. Activities of this nature would be viewed as deviant by those who followed the traditional puritan views. Contrary to other studies on topics of similar nature, Karlsen sticks to her claim that the executed and accused women were held in a higher regard in society. She also stated that the clergy and political figures issued an apology after the end of the trial, when they were forced to admit their mistake and a handful f these men went ant privately apologized to the families whose member was a victim of the trials. The beliefs in witchcraft and the perception of women in New England were forever irrevocably redefined. Karlsenrs view on the trials were that they were a means to keep the nonconformist women of Salem in check. To make them fear the possibility of death and a slave to male authority. [Koicic 3]. Professor Reisrs work Damned Women: Sinners and Witches in Puritan New England (1999) is another work which deals with the reason behind why women were mostly accused and executed. In drawing the conclusion to her research she uses several texts which testify that the women in New England were to be under a more strict watch as they could possibly be influenced by the devil. Like Karlsen she also states that after the events of Salem there was a shift in the perception of women. One of the most notorious works on the Salem trials is The Crucible. Written in the year 1953 by play writer Arthur Miller. The play is a metaphor for the Red Scare (fear of communism) which was taking place at the time. The word crucible as defined by the Cambridge English Dictionary refers to a ceramic/clay pot in which metals can be melted and purified. While Arthur Miller never uses the word crucible in the play itself the title of the play acts a metaphor for the entire Salem witch trials, and Millerrs play itself. Millerrs play reflects the Salem community at the time of the trials; one that was engulfed by mass hysteria. It illuminates the effect of the theocratic government Salem was operating in at the time, and the ruthlessness of men in a higher position. While the crucible is play talking about the Salem witch trials, in reality it was a mirror used by Miller to reflect the communist hysteria at the time. Some may ask the question of what mass hysteria is. Mass Hysteria i s a phenomenon that is also referred to as ?collective obsessional behavior. The people effected by the psychological condition believe in the existence of a threat to their existence, whether real or imaginary. And the Salem trials are described as one of the most notorious cases of mass hysteria in Colonial America. Many scholars have come to the conclusion that the Witch trials have had a lasting effect on American history. It can be seen that the aftermath has played a great deal in shaping the area.

Essay on Health Care Inequities for Aboriginal Women

Health care inequities for Aboriginal women There are 1.1 million Aboriginal peoples living in Canada as of 1996 and 408,100 of them are women (Statistics Canada, 2000; Dion Stout et al, 2001). More than half live in urban centres and two thirds of those reside in Western Canada (Hanselmann, 2001). Vancouver is comprised of 28,000 Aboriginal people representing 7% of the population (Joseph, 1999). Of this total population, 70% live in Vancouver’s poorest neighbourhood which is the Downtown Eastside (DTES). Health care inequities can be elucidated by the research that identifies the social, economic and political ideologies that reflect aspects of cultural safety (Crandon, 1986; O’Neil, 1989 as cited in Browne Fiske, 2001). There are†¦show more content†¦The sexual, physical, mental and emotional misconduct led to these individuals being traumatised along with their families and communities (Browne Fiske, 2001). 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Bach Essay Example For Students

Bach Essay Johann Sebastian BachA Great Contributor Of MusicThroughout the history of music, many great composers, theorists, and instrumentalists have left indelible marks and influences that people today look back on to admire and aspire to. No exception to this idiom is Johann Sebastian Bach, whose impact on music was unforgettable to say the least. People today look back to his writings and works to both learn and admire. He truly can be considered a music history great. Bach, who came from a family of over 53 musicians, was nothing short of a virtuosic instrumentalist as well as a masterful composer. Born in Eisenach, Germany, on March 21, 1685, he was the son of a masterful violinist, Johann Ambrosius Bach, who taught his son the basic skills for string playing. Along with this string playing, Bach began to play the organ which is the instrument he would later on be noted for in history. His instruction on the organ came from the player at Eisenachs most important church. He instructed the young boy rather rigorously until his skills surpassed anyones expectations for someone of such a young age. Bach suffered early trauma when his parents died in 1695. He went to go live with his older brother, Johann Christoph, who also was a professional organist at Ohrdruf. He continued his younger brothers education on that instrument, as well as introducing him to the harpsichord. The rigorous training on these instruments combined with Bachs masterful skill paid off for him at an early age. After several years of studying with his older brother, he received a scholarship to study in Luneberg, Germany, which is located on the northern tip of the country. As a result, he left his brothers tutelage and went to go and study there. The teenage years brought Bach to several parts of Germany where he mainly worked as an organist in churches, since that was the skill he had perfected the best from his young training. However, a master of several instruments while still in his teens, Johann Sebastian first found employment at the age of 18 as a violinist in a court orchestra in Weimar. Although he did not remain there terribly long, he was able to make good money playing for the king. He soon after accepted a position as a church organist in Arnstadt. It was here that Bach would soon realize his high standards and regards that he had for music. In Arnstadt as well as in many other places that Bach worked he was notorious for getting into fights over the quality of music that was being produced. A perfect example of this can be seen in Arnstadt. Previous accounts of history claim that Bach was upset with the performance of the church choir for which he played for. He claimed that the voices could never make the musi c soar to the sky as it should (loosely translated). Here Bach realized the high level of music and perfectionism that he wanted. In 1707, at the age of 22, Bach moved on from Arnstadt to another organist job, this time at the St. Blasius Church in Muhlhausen. Once again he did not remain there too long, only a little over a year, when he moved again to Weimar where he accepted the position of head concertmaster and organist in the Ducal Chapel. It was here that Bach settled himself and began to compose the first collection of his finest early works which, included organ pieces and cantatas. By this time Bach had been married for several years. He actually became married to his cousin Maria Barbara. They, for the most part, had a happy marriage. He was happy. By this stage of his life he had composed for himself a wonderful reputation of being a brilliant musical talent. Along with that his proficiency on the organ was unequaled in Europe by this time. In fact, he toured regularly as a solo virtuoso, and his growing mastery of compositional forms, like the fugue and the canon, were already attracting interest from the musical establishment, which, in his day, was the Lutheran church. The church began to look at Bachs writings and saw the opportunity to possibly use his music in

Lowering The Drinking Age A Solution Or free essay sample

Lowering The Drinking Age: A Solution Or A Problem? Essay, Research Paper Lowering the Drinking Age: A Problem or a Solution? Why is it that 18 twelvemonth old citizens, like myself, can lawfully obtain a driver? s licence, registry to vote, be forced into jury responsibility or a bill of exchange, can be tried as an grownup and even be put to decease, but can non purchase and devour alcoholic drinks lawfully? It is difficult for me to grok as a immature American that we can be permitted or subjected to execute actions that affect the lives of other people, but we are non allowed to hold the freedom of pick on an issue that straight involves one? s ain life. By puting the standard imbibing age at 21, a tabu was placed on intoxicant for immature people. Possibly by settling the criterion imbibing age to 18 immature grownups would no longer see alcohol as the forbidden fruit it has become, but instead as an gratifying substance that is meant to devour maturely. We will write a custom essay sample on Lowering The Drinking Age A Solution Or or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Local functionaries in Littleton, Colorado, feel that take downing their province? s legal imbibing age would be a immense error. Colorado? s Department of the Treasury announced in October of 1997, that Representative Ron Tupa of Boulder was to present a measure to statute law for the lowering of the province? s imbibing age to 18. Many of the local functionaries at that place felt that it was a? bad thought which would be lives? ( Miret ) . Harmonizing to the article, the Colorado? s State Treasurer? s office claims that there has been many surveies that show how the elevation of the imbibing age to 21 has? resulted in fewer teen- Cocco 2 age alcohol-related accidents? ( Miret ) . However, other grounds suggests a different narrative. They are more alcohol-related accidents with people over the age of 21. A survey of all 50 provinces and the District of Columbia found? a positive relationship between the purchase age and single-vehicle human deaths? ( Hanson, ? The Legal Drinking Age: Science V. Ideology? ) . Therefore, single-vehicle human deaths were found to be more frequent in those provinces with high purchase ages. Can anyone truly state that as a consequence of lifting the imbibing age to 21 that these quandaries such as accidents, consumption, and desire has mostly decreased? There has likely been equal if non more accidents with the imbibing age at 21. For case, college pupils have ever been blamed to hold excessively many alcohol related incidents and jobs. With this repute no 1 truly trusts the people of my age to be able to imbibe responsibly. ? A comparing of college pupils go toing schools in provinces that had maintained, for a period of at least ten old ages, a minimal imbibing age of 21 with those in provinces that had likewise maintained minimal imbibing ages below 21 revealed few differences in imbibing jobs? ( Hanson, ? The Legal Drinking Age: Science vs. Ideology? ) . For illustration, a big survey of immature people between ages of 16 and 19 in Massachusetts and New York after Massachusetts raised its imbibing age revealed that? the norm, self-reported day-to-day intoxicant ingestion in Massachusetts did non worsen in comparing with New York? ( Hanson, ? The Legal Drinking Age: Science V. Ideology? ) . College pupils, immature teens and imbibing will ever be necessarily associated with each other regardless of the fortunes or regulations. So what is the point of gestating and implementing a policy that is already failed and is doomed to neglect? Cocco 3 Administrations can non halt intoxicant maltreatment, but they can non disregard it either. With the college disposals disregarding it with the hopes that it will travel off is merely unacceptable and should non even be an option. What is the point trying to convey a grade of control to something that is basically unmanageable? Littleton? s constabulary head Gary Maas agrees with the State Treasures office that? take downing the imbibing age would intend nil, but problem? ( Miret ) . So, what can be done? If we are non old plenty to manage our intoxicant, how can we be old adequate to do determinations and take actions that will hold an impact on the endurance of our state? The authorities enforced prohibition in the 1920s and it is still non effectual for those below the 21-year-old threshold today. For one time, I believe that revoking the imbibing age would be the best solution. Maas besides states with the lowering of the imbibing age? the liquor goes in and the suppressions go out and foolish things go on? ( Miret ) . But with the lowering of the age, so more earlier kids can be informed of jobs that are associated with intoxicant usage and abuse the better the oncoming of teenage rebellion, which is what causes many alcohol related accidents. Responsibility and moderatenesss must be stressed and zero tolerances for imbibing and drive must ever be enforced. I merely hope that U.S. lawgivers can alter from their benign stance on this issue and follow the lead of European states and even Canada. In those states alcohol is seen more as a portion of mundane life and therefore is non abused by immature people. They grow up larning the duty involved with imbibing. If lawgivers, such as Representative Ron Tupa does of Colorado, and electors, like myself, have faith in Cocco 4 themselves as being proper parents and defenders, they will non fear take downing the imbibing age, as they will be able to better learn their kids how to imbibe alcoholic drinks instead than allowing them larn elsewhere how to mistreat them. The lowering of the imbibing age to 18 is the most simple and most reasonable reply for the solution for imbibing. 36c