HJB-nonfiction

hannahs homepage Hannah Balsley Mrs. Laurencot Non-Fiction Essay

I believe that the main reason for Bernice Kohn to write the book __Out Of The Cauldron__, was to educate people on the culture and history of witches. In this book there are many things to learn about witches that you may not have ever know. How witchcraft all began is a big part of the history that is still among us today. As well as the trials and of course the notorious, Salem, MA. Although witchcraft doesn’t have a specific origination date, some believe that it could date back to the stone age. A lot of the earlier sorcery seems to have started in the European area. As time passed on it is said that witchcraft was passed down from generation to generation. Back then, witches were known for making herbs, brews and remedies that could help cure illnesses for many people. This was found as a talent and the medicines were very affective.

In 1641, Massachusetts made a law that said that, "Witchcraft which is fellowship by covenant with familiar spirit to be punished with death"(pg.65) Salem, Massachusetts is now know for the wild witch hunts that occurred there. In 1692, the so called "quiet town" changed its reputation to what it is known for today and it all started with one family. A minister and his family lived in Salem and had a maid. The two daughters loved to listen to her stories about witchcraft."One day after a vivid conversation about witches the girls began to act very oddly. They said things that didn’t make sense, rolled on the floor and stood in strange postures."(pg.66) It is said that the girls were possessed by witchcraft, and when they went to trial they blamed the maid. When the maid heard of this she told the courts that she heard the stories from the various other witches around town. Then the madness of the Salem Witch Hunt began. It lasted from March to September of 1692, one hundred and fifty people were arrested and twenty one died. hbalsley/page 2 During the witch trials it was almost as if "the whole world went mad at once".(pg.17) One explanation for the sudden outburst in hysteria could have been the Black Plague. It killed almost one-fourth of the entire population and most of the deaths were blamed on the witches. Nearly anything and everything somewhat out of the ordinary was reason to be taken to court for being a "witch". Everyday things like tripping or walking into things was said to be done by a witch, even as small as giving someone the evil eye could land you a spot in one of the worst trials ever. At the trials, young children were witnesses to this huge disgrace. Most people believed that witches were sent by the devil to harm others. Which is why "the accused were stripped naked and searched for Devil’s Marks. An old scar ,a mole, a mark of any kind was proof that the Devil had left his sign."(pg.23) Witch trials lasted for long amounts of time with very bad outcomes. Hanging, burning and extreme abuse are just a few ways that the guilty were punished. Throughout this essay you have learned the true history and some of the culture of witches. After knowing all of this information I feel saddened by the facts that have happened, but glad that history will most likely not repeat itself.