Salem Witch Trials Essay

Chaos broke out in 1692 among the Salem Village in the Massachusetts Colony. Several children began convulsing, shrieking, and having strange fits. The episodes were originally accredited to bewitchment from citizens in the colony. However, new studies were conducted and alternate explanations arose. Scientists discovered a fungus that can induce actions very similar to those described in the Salem Witch Trials. Contrary to popular belief, the Salem Witch Trials should not be solely attributed to demonic ‘possession’, but rather a harmful pathogen: Ergot of Rye. There are many questions as to what actually occurred in the Massachusetts colony during this time. History.com identifies one of the main problems by claiming that that girls were

Even after being diagnosed with bewitchment, five other girls began having the same symptoms as the original two girls. The validity of the diagnosis is in question due to the fact that all seven girls, displaying the same behaviors, within days apart, would all be possessed, especially in such a religious culture. Secondly, the accused women were easy targets (Blumberg). Tituba, the governor’s family slave from the Caribbean, was accused after being in close proximities with one of the first victims. Slaves barely had any rights at this time, making Tituba an easy candidate. Sarah Good, homeless, and Sarah Osborne, a poor, elderly lady, were also accused and punished. The two of them, being at the bottom of the societal totem pole, were also convenient scapegoats. Martha Corey was an involved member in the church and in the community. Corey was an unlikely suspect, yet she was still charged. Not only is the validity of the suspects in question, but also the punishments. If one was accused of being used of Satan, they would be hanged on Gallow’s Hill (History.com). Hangings began in May 1692 and by that September, 19 people had been hanged. In

Ergot is now filtered out of rye before using it to make bread. However, the colonists did not have this capability. As many farmers capitalized on rye crop, and rye was a common ingredient in the food of the 1600s, it is very possible that ergot of rye was being consumed. The Putnam family, having three affected girls in their household, were some of the largest land holders in Salem. This land was most likely used for farming, possibly rye, where ergot could have been found. Ergot thrives in damp, wet climates. Several swamps are in Salem, having both wet and damp conditions- the perfect conditions for galvanizing the growth of ergot. Lastly, several victims reported having tingling feelings and hallucinations, two of the main symptoms of Ergotism. The high likelihood of the presence of ergot in Massachusetts and the similarity in symptoms proves that the episodes should not be credited to possession, but rather the harmful bacteria: