Extremism In 17th Century Europe

Many events and conflicts in history have arose based on its root in extremism.Throughout history, paranoia implemented by the church and enforced by the court has caused citizens of specific societies to go into hysterics, and has caused them and their governments to commit extreme acts of injustice. The Heretic’s Daughter takes place in 17th century Massachusetts and tells the story of the Carrier Family. The Carrier Family, including Martha, Thomas, Richard, Andrew, Tom, Sarah and Hannah Carrier face many challenges during this time period which force them to experience extremism that lead to Martha Carrier’s death. During this time, the citizens of Massachusetts colony who were falsely accused of witchcraft endured the witch trials, …show more content…
Examples of this have been evident throughout history, starting with the rise of the Byzantine empire, and even continuing on today with the war between Palestine and Israel. In 17th century Massachusetts however, an extreme devotion to the church caused the people of the Massachusetts colony to have an extreme paranoia of being sent to hell. During a reading of scripture by the Reverend Dane, Sarah Carrier recounts “On that day he began with Joel, chapter 2, and the promise of ‘a day of darkness and gloom’” (85). This is an example of the dark and negative tendencies of the church, as they preached the severity of hell and the death of sinners to those who held faith in the church and god.The Puritan beliefs were extremely strict, and structured, so it was expected that those who attended the puritan church take scripture seriously, and build their lives around the reverends holy words. Those who disagreed with the Puritan church or disobeyed god were seen as “heretics,” and disliked throughout the community. In chapter two of “The Heretic’s Daughter,” Sarah asks Margaret what a heretic is, and why a quaker is a heretic. “A quaker is a heretic because he makes himself answerable to no body of the church, only to the voice of his own conscience”(50), Margaret replies to Sarah. It is proven here that within the predominantly Puritan community, there is no room for …show more content…
Those living during the 17th century were enthralled with the church, and their lives revolved around seeking the forgiveness and approval of god. The extreme beliefs of the Puritan Church, and the fear inducing sermons lead followers to such a frenzy, which ultimately lead to the mortality of innocent colonists. Kathleen Kent uses Sarah Carrier to narrate the events which took place during 1692, and reveals how extremism lead by paranoia can result in such unfortunate