Witchcraft & Persecution DRAMA WORKSHOP Witchcraft & Persecution

The Crucible A play based on the historical events that took place in Salem, Massachusetts in During this time there was a witch-hunt hysteria that destroyed innocent people and served to settle a few personal scores.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent “But witchcraft is, on its face and by its nature an invisible crime, is it not? Therefore, who may possibly be witness to it? The witch and the victim. None other. Now we cannot hope the witch will accuse herself; granted? Therefore we must rely upon her victims …

What is a witch?

Witches Witches could talk to the devil and communicate with the dead Witches could see into the future Witches could make people fall ill by using spells and potions Witches could fly and make themselves invisible Witches used animals such as cats as disguises for the evil spirits who served them Witches could cause bad weather and storms, affecting ships at sea and spoiling crops

The Puritans The Puritans of the 1500s believed they were the legitimate messengers of God. Their way of life was ‘pure’ and would ultimately change the world.

Puritan Beliefs: Learn passages of the bible by heart Obey the laws of the church Attend church every Sunday Read the bible aloud at mealtimes Must sleep soundly with a pure and clean mind Music, dancing, reading and other forms of ‘entertainment’ are sinful and forbidden Children do not enter the woods

Examination of a Witch In this picture Mary Fisher, a young girl is shamefully stripped for the purpose of ascertaining whether she was a witch, with the Devil’s mark on her.

Witchcraft at Salem Village A generalized courtroom scene showing an ‘afflicted’ girl fallen on the floor in front of the judges bench. An accused woman stands in front of the judges declaring her innocence before God.

A generic scene that shows a woman being arrested for witchcraft. Arresting a Witch A generic scene that shows a woman being arrested for witchcraft.

Accused of Witchcraft In this scene a young girl, who has been accused of witchcraft, clings to her father who gestures towards the authorities who have come to arrest her.

Dictionary Definition: Witch-hunt A rigorous campaign to expose dissenters on the pretext of safeguarding the public welfare.

A Crucible is a severe test