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Puritan Culture And Fanaticism: The Salem Witch Trials

668 Words3 Pages

The Salem witch trials demonstrated much more in the puritan culture than ignorance or fanaticism. It illustrates the interior deformation of the society. Through the tragedy at Salem it is evident that the accusations covered issues that were colony wide. The case of the Salem witch trials demonstrates the financial issues within the colony, the personal issues used to accuse individuals, and the stress of colonial life that stretched far beyond the New England Colony.
On January 20, 1692, in Salem Village, the Reverend Samuel Parris' daughter and niece; Elizabeth and Abigail Williams, displayed behavior that at the time, was regarded as blasphemous. What ensued were some of the most ludicrous and heinous acts that occurred in the American …show more content…

These demographics demonstrate the vast difference in wealth and the encompassing spread of individuals in the village. Tensions between the two parties grew larger when Salem Village brought in Reverend Samuel Parris as minister. Parris was a harsh Puritan who likely instilled a sense of jealousy between the residents. Here it is evident that internal factors within the area itself caused tensions that developed into the accusations of the perceived witches in Salem. However another interesting note is the idea of “a city on a hill”. This concept of being a pure Christian is demonstrated in the trials of the Salem residents, though they could have confessed and shortened the ordeal, they fought for their holiness. This idea is one that goes far beyond Salem, the overall issue is demonstrated in the halfway covenant. While the population of Puritans grew, new generations found it difficult to continue the traditions set by their forefathers. Thus the officials made the convent to ease the membership into the church, giving a partial membership. This illustrates the struggling tension between the church and the

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