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Salem Witch Dbq Essay

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Reasons for being accused of witchcraft are multidimensional, and although there is no definitive reason, gender was likely a major reason as to why someone was seem as likely to be a witch. In colonial New England, gender was set by strict standards and was in no way fluid. It is indisputable that women were especially vulnerable to be charged with witchcraft. Puritans were guilty of sexism even before the witch trials; the biblical story of Adam and Eve was an example of how Eve had disobeyed God and caused the downfall of man. Consequently, rebellious women were accused of witchcraft because they emulated Eve’s disobedience (Godbeer 13). Most notably, acting outside of one’s gender roles was grounds for accusations. As previously mentioned, …show more content…

At a time when women were not even allowed to vote, verbal impudence towards a man was indecent. This made her seem to be a likely witch. Furthermore, Bridget Bishop was also a woman who had questionable behaviour. She was outspoken and attractive, or as Puritans saw her, offensive and seductive. Bishop’s outspokenness was used against her in the Salem witch trials. In the document titled “John Louder against Bridget Bishop,” Louder claimed that he and Bishop “often had differences for some years together” (Godbeer 113). Although Bishop maintained that she did not know Louder, squabbles had occurred between them. It is likely that because of Bishop’s argumentative conduct, she was perceived as a witch. Another example of an unorthodox woman accused of witchcraft is Dorcas Hoar. Hoar was a cunning woman who had a strong perception of the future. Having cunning abilities was taboo because it was impossible to know if one had acquired their powers from the Devil. Hoar had some medical experience and was able to identify illnesses, but instead she was observed as a witch. In the document titled “Mary Gage Against Dorcas Hoar and Others,” Gage imputes that Hoar foresaw her child’s

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