History Of The Salem Witch Trials

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Imagine, at the age of eight, being accused of witchcraft and facing the possibility of being hanged. However outrageous this may seem, this was reality for a young girl named Sarah Carrier. Girls as young as four years old were tried in the Salem witch trials. The Salem witch trials were a series of trials held in the belief of the practice of witchcraft between February 1692 and may 1693. The trials were held in Salem, Massachusetts. Twenty people were executed and fourteen of them were women. All victims but one were hanged in front of an audience. It is a common misconception, however, that the victims were burned on a stake. This was just a myth. Although a majority of the convicted was older women, there were also men and children convicted as well. Most people accused of witchcraft were poor or had low status. These people were viewed as safe targets for accusations due to their low status on social castes. People …show more content…

As stated previously, Mr. Thomas Maule authored a book that had a statement inside referring to the Salem witch trial event. There are also very popular paintings and drawings that depict the trials. "Trial of George Jacobs, August 5, 1692" by Matteson is one of the many traditional art depictions of the Salem witch trials. Movies based off the Salem witch trials include: I married a witch, Maid of Salem, Keeper of Souls, the Covenant, and many more. Even musicians took inspiration from the trials. Many musicians who took inspiration from the trials include Rob Zombie, Motionless in White, Liars, and many others. Television shows such as the vampire diaries take heavy elements from the Salem witch trials. Bonnie Bennett, Elena's best friend, is a descendant of the powerful witches of Salem. Finally, some books that include details from the trail may be I walk in dread, Conversion, and time of the