A comparison of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 with present 'urban legends' and witch-hunts, focusing on Francis Hill's "A Delusion of Satan: The Full Story of the Salem Witch Trials."
Written in 2007; 4,321 words; 14 sources; MLA; $ 114.95
Paper Summary:
This paper reviews Frances Hill's book, "A Delusion of Satan: The Full Story of the Salem Witch Trials." It addresses her claims concerning the apparent parallels between the Salem Witch Trials and the "witch-hunts" of more recent times. The paper begins by defining the social, religious and political conditions present within Salem Village and the ways in which these elements enabled and promoted the Salem tragedy. Then the paper discusses contemporary worldviews concerning religious beliefs and ideologies and how these factors contributed to modern witch-hunts throughout both Europe and the United States.
Table of Contents:
Synopsis
The Power of Religious Conviction
Demons in Contemporary Western Culture
Influencing Social and Cultural Factors
Urban Tales and Legends
Conclusion
From the Paper:
"Frances Hill, like most other academics, does not believe that the children depicting apparent signs of demon possession in Salem Village during 1692 were actually truly inflicted in this manner, and she also either partially or wholly disagrees on the various hypotheses that many other theorists have offered in explanation. Instead, Hill emphasizes that the strong presence of strict Purist worldviews - which "as their diaries, letters, and sermons leave [in] no doubt ..... [show that] they regarded all activities besides work and prayer as potentially sinful distractions and believed they should be wary of impulses that led to fun or amusement" (Hill, 1997, p.5) - along with their Pastor's obsession with the devil and sinfulness, created an ambiance that was conducive to public and mass hysteria (Hill, 1997)."
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