Puritanism & Witchcraft in 17th-Century New England
Film Clip: 3 Sovereigns for Sarah (Rev. Parris' first sermon)
Lecture: Puritanism & Witchcraft
Illustrations/Transparencies: Anglo-American Witch
Puritanism & Witchcraft: (cf. Weisman)
Cotton Mather: “A Discourse on Witchcraft” (reader) from Memorable Providences relating to Witchcraft & Persecutions (1689):
Proof of witches:
In-Class Writing Assignment: Did you find anything in the readings for today surprising or that changed your understanding of the New England Witch Trials prior to the events in Salem in 1692-93? Explain.
Puritanism & Witchcraft [cont’d]
Stages in becoming a witch: (Weisman)
contract: promise of general assistance from Satan = simple business transaction: “The express and manifest compact is so termed, because it is made by solemn words on both parties. For the satisfying hereof, he [the future witch] gives to the devil for the present, either his own handwriting, or some part of his blood, as a pledge and earnest penny to bind the bargain.” (36)
Final Film Clip: The Scarlet Letter with Gary Oldman & Demi Moore (sermon scene) [3 min]