Entry #9 (Ending Page): Insight and Inaccuracies

After viewing these cultural depictions of the Salem Witch Trials, one could argue that the historical depictions of the trials are mostly inaccurate, set to be entirely more dramatic and exaggerated for better audience appreciation. However, the storyline stays the same throughout most of these narratives and adaptations, with the girls playing a central role in the way we remember and memorize these trials which are forever ingrained in American memory. 

These cultural depictions discussed in this project often engage with the stereotypes of women––that they are superficial, dramatic, overemotional, untrustworthy, deceitful, spiteful, and insecure humans who hold grudges.  In the era of the trials, an “angry woman was the same as a witch”, but not much has changed over many centuries (Colburn 22). Women are often depicted as ruthless, hot-headed beings who can’t be taken seriously. These aspects can be seen throughout the works discussed in the projects. In addition, women in this time period were criticized for exploring their sexuality, and dark magic was the explanation the men had at the time for women acting in this way regarding their Puritan religion. Again and again, we continuously see men deciding what is to be deemed appropriate or not, especially in the Salem witch trials. In Salem, white men were the people making the final decisions. This plays into the interdisciplinary aspect of American Studies, as we see the intersection of gender studies with historical events. Even further, African-American studies can be involved in the discussion of these trials as Tituba was the only non-white slave of Reverend Samuel Parris. As seen on the historical timeline and “Afflicted: Daughters of Salem” links, Tituba was victimized as one of the first witches accused. Her being a non-white woman in this society put her at a disadvantage as layers of interlocking oppression worked against her. The linking of race studies with this historical event shows how interwoven the events are in the way we remember it. The media forms discussed in the project––articles, literature, film, and media––all influence the way the viewer/user makes sense of the trials from a contemporary perspective. 

What are your own final thoughts? Are there other works you had wished I included? Please share your thoughts below!

Citation:

Colburn, Joseph. Gender and the Salem Witchcraft Trials. Wou.edu,                      www.wou.edu/history/files/2015/08/Colburn-Josephine1.pdf.