The Witchcraft Trials in Salem

 


Read The Witchcraft Trials in Salem: A Commentary., sponsored by the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Link is here- https://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/SAL_ACCT.HTM
She’s a Witch
In 1692, several girls in Salem, Massachusetts suddenly exhibited strange behavior, from uncontrollably contorting into strange positions and uttering unintelligible sounds, to complaining of being pinched and pricked with pins by unknown forces. After the town physician could not find a medical cause for their symptoms, the colonists accused over 100 people, mostly women, of practicing witchcraft, which The Oxford Dictionary of English defines as “the practice of magic, especially black magic; the use of spells and the invocation of spirits.” Oxford defines magic is defined as “the power of apparently influencing events by using mysterious or supernatural forces.” Although the Salem witch-hunt was short lived, the Court of Salem Village condemned 19 colonists to death for allegedly practicing witchcraft.
Your answer should be well written and a minimum of 250 words.
Questions: Watch the “She’s a Witch” scene from the film, Monty Python and Holy Grail (1975), and then answer the following questions. Why do you think people have been fascinated by, and fearful of, magic, witchcraft, and the supernatural throughout history? Why do you think women have been associated with witchcraft more often than men? How does Monty Python parody superstition and the dangers of mob rule in the “She’s a Witch” scene below? Link-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrzMhU_4m-g
Module 2 Current Event
Pick a current event that has national or international significance and that deal with issues of substance. (please do not pick anything political or controversial) You must include on the source of their current event. The first part of each summary will be a synopsis of the current event, and the second part will be the student’s thoughts/opinions regarding the current event. The essays will be a minimum of 100 – 150 words for the entire assignment. Use the template provided

 

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The Enduring Fascination and Fear of the Supernatural, and Monty Python's Parody

The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 stand as a chilling historical testament to humanity's deep-seated fascination with and fear of magic, witchcraft, and the supernatural. This enduring human trait stems from several psychological and societal factors. Throughout history, people have sought explanations for the unexplainable – illnesses, misfortunes, natural disasters, or strange behaviors – that defied scientific understanding. In the absence of empirical knowledge, supernatural forces offered a compelling, albeit often terrifying, framework for understanding the world. This provided a sense of control, even if that control meant identifying and punishing perceived malevolent forces. Fear, in particular, is amplified by the unknown and the perceived threat to order, making the idea of hidden, powerful forces manipulating events deeply unsettling. Furthermore, the allure of magic, as "the power of apparently influencing events by using mysterious or supernatural forces," taps into a universal human desire for control, power, and the ability to transcend limitations, making it both fascinating and potentially dangerous in the eyes of society.

The association of women with witchcraft more often than men is a complex historical phenomenon rooted in patriarchal societies and religious beliefs. Historically, women, particularly those who were unmarried, elderly, widowed, or who held traditional healing roles (like midwives), were often marginalized and viewed with suspicion. Their knowledge of herbs and natural remedies could be easily misinterpreted as "magic." Furthermore, many religious texts and societal norms portrayed women as more susceptible to temptation or inherently weaker, making them supposedly more vulnerable to the devil's influence. The power structures of the time meant that women had less social and political power, making them easier targets for

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