they had committed during the trials. Those that had falsely accused their neighbors, stolen property from accused witches, and hanged the innocent went unpunished. However, some accusers did publicly apologize for what they had done (Schanzer 118). In 1706, at age 29, Ann Putnam Jr. read a letter of apology out loud in front of the Salem church. Her words were recorded as, "I desire to lie in the dust, and earnestly beg forgiveness of all those unto whom I have given just cause of sorrow and offense, whose relations were taken away and accused” (Meltzer 82). The memorial of the Salem Witch Trials extended even into the 20th century. Salem Town, now called Danvers, finally dedicated a memorial in honor of those slain, called Salem Village
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Were the "afflicted" girls really afflicted? Some historians reason that at the time, Puritans were afraid of women gaining independence and freedom (The Salem Witch Trials). Perhaps the young women were just seeking attention and power over others (“Witchcraft in Salem”). There is reason to believe that the accusers were merely conspiring against others in the village. Could Reverend Parris and Thomas Putnam have attempted to destroy their personal enemies? Documentation from letters and testimonies from the trials shows that Putnam had a hand in the accusations of several people, such as Rebecca Nurse (Schanzer 109-112). Maybe the girls' bewitchment was actually disease. History.com states, "In an effort to explain by scientific means the strange afflictions suffered by those bewitched Salem residents in 1692, a study published in Science magazine in 1976 cited the fungus ergot (found in rye, wheat, and other cereals), which toxicologists say can cause symptoms such as delusions, vomiting, and muscle spasms." There is a good chance that the lack of good hygiene, suitable drinking water, and healthy food could have made Salem villagers dangerously ill
Were the "afflicted" girls really afflicted? Some historians reason that at the time, Puritans were afraid of women gaining independence and freedom (The Salem Witch Trials). Perhaps the young women were just seeking attention and power over others (“Witchcraft in Salem”). There is reason to believe that the accusers were merely conspiring against others in the village. Could Reverend Parris and Thomas Putnam have attempted to destroy their personal enemies? Documentation from letters and testimonies from the trials shows that Putnam had a hand in the accusations of several people, such as Rebecca Nurse (Schanzer 109-112). Maybe the girls' bewitchment was actually disease. History.com states, "In an effort to explain by scientific means the strange afflictions suffered by those bewitched Salem residents in 1692, a study published in Science magazine in 1976 cited the fungus ergot (found in rye, wheat, and other cereals), which toxicologists say can cause symptoms such as delusions, vomiting, and muscle spasms." There is a good chance that the lack of good hygiene, suitable drinking water, and healthy food could have made Salem villagers dangerously ill