Alexa MacIsaac
EMSP 2320/GWST 2320/RELS 2420
Dr. Lisa Templin
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Primary Source Analysis
This assignment is designed to guide you through an in-depth exploration and critical analysis of a primary source that you have been assigned to read for class. In this assignment, you will be asked to essentially “show the work” that goes into writing an analysis of a primary source to support your argument in a research paper.
You will not need to use additional sources for this assignment. Unless directed otherwise, all you will need is your chosen primary source, Martha Rampton’s introduction to that source in your textbook (located in italics immediately before the text of the source), and the information you have learned
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He begins the paragraph with the phrase “These heretics” implying right away that heretics are others and less respected. Throughout the quote, he continues to insert his own speculations, like that their dedication to virginity is a cover and they meet in secret to perform sacrilegious acts (254), to convince the reader to agree with his judgements. Coggeshall mentions that the heretics believe the devil and God are at odds with each other in their bodies (254), which paints a fearsome picture in the reader’s mind. Even associating the heretics with fights between good and evil casts heretics in a dark light compared to Christians. This interpretation of heretic beliefs is a strategic move in order for Coggeshall to discredit the heretics and turn Christians against them, which is implied through his word …show more content…
For example, In A Marvelous Incident at Rheims, Coggeshall states that the Publican woman was able to use magic in order to escape being burned alive (253) and the heretics made sacrifices to the devil (254). Later, it was a popular belief that witches practiced magic and made pacts with the devil. Coggeshall’s description and demonization of a heretic may have influenced the definition of a witch and gives a deeper understanding of how people during the witch hunts came up with the idea of a