Throughout history the concept of the unknow has been contemplated with people wondering why certain events occurred over time. While they sought for answers the notion of witches and witchcraft was brought to light and as a result many individuals were accused and blamed for other people’s misfortune. Thus, causing an era of speculation, accusations, fear, and tension. With all of this in mind, one cannot help pondering whether or not those witches were indeed witches. Or on the other hand, wondering if suspected people were swayed or even worse, pressured into believing they were witches. Though to undertake this task, it is best to consider who the witches were, how they were accused, and how they were dealt with. Although witchcraft may
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These specific features and characteristics pertained to sex, age, and demeanor. Normally when one thinks of a witch they generally pair it with the image of a female rather than a male. This belief was shared among many during this time period as well as Edward Bever mentions “women constituted about 80% of the people tried” (956 ). In fact, for a long time women were believed to be the ones capable of conducting magic rather than men ( Clive Holmes 51). Now one may wonder why this notion was accepted by the public? Its acceptance had a great deal to do with the type of magic they perceived witches to wield, which was mainly harmful magic. Brian P. Levack remarks that women were initially targeted as they engaged in activities that would be optimal to cause harm to others such as cooking, taking care of the ill, etc. …show more content…
One of the main reasons had to do with the nature of witchcraft itself in that it was linked to mysterious occurrences (49 Holmes). Thus, as Levack states “witchcraft accusations allowed members…to resolve conflicts between themselves and their neighbours to explain misfortunes that had occurred in their daily lives” (134). Another reason had to do with a prevailing fear over witches and witchcraft. Essentially witches had a notorious reputation of causing tragedy to others such as causing harm to people’s health, their animals, their crops, etc. (46 Homles). As an example, in 1709 a witch was executed as she “used threatening expressions against persons at enmity with her, who afterwards visited with the loss of cattle, or the death of friends” (367 A collection and abridgment). So, in order to eliminate their distress and get revenge they would accuse these people of sorcery. It should be stressed that these people were genuinely scared for their safety as Levack affirms “many of her neighbours viewed her as both powerful and threatening. By having her tried and executed, her neighbours were not simply picking on a helpless old woman, but counteracting a form of female power that they believed had placed them, their children and domestic animals in considerable danger” (149). However, that was not always the case, some family members
These specific features and characteristics pertained to sex, age, and demeanor. Normally when one thinks of a witch they generally pair it with the image of a female rather than a male. This belief was shared among many during this time period as well as Edward Bever mentions “women constituted about 80% of the people tried” (956 ). In fact, for a long time women were believed to be the ones capable of conducting magic rather than men ( Clive Holmes 51). Now one may wonder why this notion was accepted by the public? Its acceptance had a great deal to do with the type of magic they perceived witches to wield, which was mainly harmful magic. Brian P. Levack remarks that women were initially targeted as they engaged in activities that would be optimal to cause harm to others such as cooking, taking care of the ill, etc. …show more content…
One of the main reasons had to do with the nature of witchcraft itself in that it was linked to mysterious occurrences (49 Holmes). Thus, as Levack states “witchcraft accusations allowed members…to resolve conflicts between themselves and their neighbours to explain misfortunes that had occurred in their daily lives” (134). Another reason had to do with a prevailing fear over witches and witchcraft. Essentially witches had a notorious reputation of causing tragedy to others such as causing harm to people’s health, their animals, their crops, etc. (46 Homles). As an example, in 1709 a witch was executed as she “used threatening expressions against persons at enmity with her, who afterwards visited with the loss of cattle, or the death of friends” (367 A collection and abridgment). So, in order to eliminate their distress and get revenge they would accuse these people of sorcery. It should be stressed that these people were genuinely scared for their safety as Levack affirms “many of her neighbours viewed her as both powerful and threatening. By having her tried and executed, her neighbours were not simply picking on a helpless old woman, but counteracting a form of female power that they believed had placed them, their children and domestic animals in considerable danger” (149). However, that was not always the case, some family members