#john hathorne

[baby-chirp]

Chose 10 of the more iconic default names you get when playing Town of Salem.

[chryza]

My adversary, John Hathorne,

I confess that I feel uncrushed of late. The world seems... lighter, since your absence began. Each passing turn of moon and sun overhead seems... trivial, without that comforting presence atop me.

Whenceforth do you intend to return, I ponder? It surely is not this difficult to find more stones. If nature herself will not provide, then mayhap you could employ the ones God hath given.

Crushed only by loneliness,

Yours,

Giles Corey.

Yeah here we go

[sxnyarostova]

Hello Tumblr, it's certainly been a while since I've last posted on here! Anyways, I've been reading The Crucible in English, and my teacher absolutely despises Mary Warren-- I think that's a little unfair?

Like, let's face it-- Mary is a victim of the Witch Trials and Abigail's vengeance just as much as anyone else. Neither her personality nor her societal position really allows her space to do anything other than be deferential, so what else is there really for her to do other than obey when Abigail threatens her into submission? Mary is also arguably one of the only people in this play with some semblance of a moral compass (i.e. at the beginning she's the one who insists that they tell someone about the true nature of their sporting in the woods). Let's also not forget that Proctor threatens Mary and beats her into submission just to get her to admit to Hathorne and Danforth that the entire crying-out has been nothing but pretence. It's important to note that Mary is threatened and cowed into compliance/subordination in almost EVERY SINGLE SCENE of this play.

What my English teacher especially 'hates' is "how pathetic Mary is" and while I do agree that she's weak-willed and "pathetic," I think it's just plain unfair to call a seventeen-year-old girl living in a rigidly patriarchal society "pathetic" because she doesn't dare to speak out against authority. This isn't the 21st century; this is Salem in 1609, girl. She could've found herself amongst the accused-- and the dead-- if she hadn't played her cards right. And while we are supposed to valorise John Proctor for "keeping his integrity to the end, even if it means sacrificing himself," it's also important to acknowledge that maybe, just maybe, a teenage girl didn't want to die. How anyone can see her as anything other than a victim is beyond me.

However, my teacher is a millennial who has a very interesting idea regarding modern feminism, so maybe that's where she's coming from. This modern branch of extreme and borderline "shaming" feminism has done more harm than good for our society IMO. Imagine calling a fictional 17 year old weak and pathetic because she doesn't feel like she's equipped to speak out against age-old restrictions and boundaries that, when breached, could result in her death. Yeah. Real cool.

[high-priestess-house]

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕾𝖆𝖑𝖊𝖒 𝖂𝖎𝖙𝖈𝖍 𝕿𝖗𝖎𝖆𝖑𝖘

𝔄𝔫 𝔒𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴

Historical Background

The Salem Witch Trials happened between 1692 and 1693 in colonial Massachusetts, mainly in the towns of Salem Village, Salem Town, Ipswich, and Andover. This period was dominated by Puritan religious beliefs, which were very strict and influenced every aspect of life. The Puritans had come to America to escape religious persecution in England and wanted to create a society based on their strict interpretation of the Bible.

The Puritans’ strict religious beliefs and their fear of the devil and witchcraft were fundamental to the Salem Witch Trials. The Puritan community believed in the literal existence of witches and the devil, which fueled the hysteria and paranoia that led to the trials.

Social and Economic Tensions

In the late 1600s, Massachusetts was experiencing social and economic challenges. Conflicts with Native Americans, known as King Philip’s War (1675–1678), had left the colonies struggling financially and emotionally. Salem Village, in particular, was a community full of disputes over land, church attendance, and local leadership, which created a lot of tension among its residents.

Smallpox was a recurring epidemic in colonial America and had a significant impact on communities. Outbreaks caused widespread fear and mortality, contributing to a heightened sense of anxiety and the search for scapegoats, including those accused of witchcraft.

The Little Ice Age and resulting harsh winters and poor harvests caused food shortages and economic stress in Salem. This economic hardship exacerbated existing tensions and contributed to the atmosphere of fear and suspicion.

Economic inequalities in Salem Village, where wealthier families often accused poorer or socially marginalized individuals of witchcraft, played a significant role in the trials. The accusations often targeted those who were seen as economic or social burdens.

The Start of the Accusations

In January 1692, two young girls in Reverend Samuel Parris’s household, Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, started having strange fits, contortions, and outbursts. When doctors couldn’t explain their symptoms, people suspected witchcraft. The girls accused three women of bewitching them: Tituba, an enslaved woman, "owned" by Reverend Samuel Parris; Sarah Good, a homeless woman; and Sarah Osborne, an elderly woman who rarely attended church.

Tituba’s confession is particularly significant because it was detailed and vivid. She admitted to practicing witchcraft, likely under duress or fear of further punishment, and described encounters with the devil and various supernatural phenomena. Her confession included dramatic elements such as signing the devil’s book and seeing strange creatures, which added fuel to the hysteria and led to more accusations.

Tituba’s role in the Salem Witch Trials was central to the initial outbreak of accusations and the ensuing hysteria. Her story reflects broader themes of racial and social marginalization, the power dynamics of confession under duress, and the tragic consequences of fear and superstition. Understanding Tituba’s experience provides valuable insight into the complexities and injustices of the Salem Witch Trials and highlights the enduring relevance of these themes in contemporary discussions of race, power, and justice.

The Trials and Executions

The accusations quickly escalated. The local court, led by magistrates John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin, began investigating. The trials were unfair by today’s standards, often accepting “spectral evidence”—claims that the spirit of the accused was seen doing witchcraft.

Fear spread, and more people were accused. By summer 1692, special courts were set up to handle the cases. The first person executed was Bridget Bishop in June 1692. Overall, 19 people were hanged, one man (Giles Corey) was crushed to death with stones, and several others died in prison.

Women and Misogyny

Most of the accused were women, especially those who didn’t fit into the Puritan mold. Women who were outspoken, financially independent, or different in any way were at higher risk. The trials reflected deep-seated misogyny and fear of women who were seen as too powerful or too different.

Many of the women accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials, and in other witch hunts across Europe and colonial America, were often involved in practices that could be seen as healing or folk medicine, and midwives. They often used traditional remedies and herbs to treat illnesses and assist with childbirth. Their knowledge of healing and midwifery, while valuable, also set them apart. In a time when medical knowledge was limited and often intertwined with superstition, successful healing could be viewed with suspicion. If a treatment failed or a patient died, these women could be blamed for malevolent intent. Some of the accused women prepared and administered folk remedies using herbs, roots, and other natural substances. This knowledge was often passed down through generations and was a vital part of rural and village life. Herbalists’ knowledge of plants and their effects could be seen as arcane or magical. The ability to heal with plants, especially if the methods were not understood by others, made these women targets for suspicion and accusations of witchcraft.

Many women served as caregivers and counselors within their communities, offering support and advice during times of illness, personal trouble, or emotional distress. The intimate and influential role they played in the lives of their neighbors could be misinterpreted. If someone they helped later experienced misfortune, these women could be blamed for causing it through supernatural means.

The End of the Trials

By the end of 1692, people started to question the fairness of the trials and the use of spectral evidence. Influential figures like Increase Mather criticized the trials. Governor William Phips eventually dissolved the court in October 1692 and set up a new one that didn’t allow spectral evidence. The new court quickly acquitted many accused. In 1693, Phips pardoned everyone still in jail on witchcraft charges.

Aftermath and Legacy

In the years after the trials, Massachusetts tried to make amends. Some of those involved expressed regret. In 1697, a day of fasting and reflection was declared. In 1702, the trials were officially declared unlawful. By 1711, the colony passed a law restoring the rights and reputations of the accused and offered financial compensation to their families.

The Salem Witch Trials remain a powerful reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria, religious extremism, and unjust legal practices. For modern witches and those practicing alternative spiritualities, they highlight the importance of tolerance, understanding, and protecting individual freedoms.

Reflections for Modern Practitioners

For today’s witches, the Salem Witch Trials are a poignant reminder of past persecutions. They emphasize the need for solidarity, education, and advocacy against misunderstanding and prejudice. Remembering the victims of the Salem Witch Trials serves not only as a tribute to those who suffered but also as a warning to prevent such injustices in the future.

Understanding this dark chapter in history helps appreciate the progress made in religious freedom and the ongoing fight for acceptance and equality for all spiritual paths.

[truebookaddict]

This book is the second prequel to Practical Magic (preceded by Magic Lessons), but it was actually the second book published. I've decided to read them in the order they were published. I read Practical Magic over 20 years ago, after seeing the movie. At the time, I loved the movie more. However, upon reading this wonderful book, I plan to revisit Practical Magic to see if my older self will feel differently. I have a feeling I will. Of course, I will always love the movie, and I'm so excited they're making a new film. Sequel? Prequel? We shall see.

As I said, this was a wonderful story. I loved getting to know the aunts when they were young, and their brother. It was cool to learn the origins of the famous Sally and Gillian Owens. Most of all, I just love stories of magic and witchcraft. It's so much more than people think it is. I know some will understand this.

I'm not going to say much else. No spoilers from me! However, I will share a couple of favorite quotes from the book...

"Three hundred years ago people believed in the devil. They believed if an incident could not be explained, then the cause was something wicked, and that cause was often a woman who was said to be a witch. Women who did as they pleased, women with property, women who had enemies, women who took lovers, women who knew about the mysteries of childbirth, all were suspect, especially to the fiercest and cruelest judge in the area, John Hathorne, a man so terrible that his great-great grandson, the author of The Scarlet Letter, tried to deny his own heritage by changing the spelling of his name."

"This just means I know you better than you know yourself," Jet said. "But what else is a sister for?"

Anyone who has a sister who is dear to them will totally get that quote.

[totally-not-an-awkward-okapi]

Alright! Another entry for a Monster High OC competition, this time @golden.boi.draws69 Boo Generation Fierce Freshies!

Since one of the main traits of dhampirs in folklore is their having a soft body or even no bones at all, I’ve been marinating the idea of a dhampir with the monster equivalent of EDS for a while.

I hadn’t planned on them being a fan kid, but when I was looking through the existing MH vampires I remembered that Draculaura’s cousin Thad from Ghouls Rule exists and really liked how a Dracula being their dad added to their whole drama. Then it was a matter of choosing a human from that movie and of course I had to go with the most dramatic option.

Anyway time for some design tidbits:

In Bulgarian folklore glog (hawthorn) is used to refer to vampire children and their descendants, whereas Nathaniel Hawthorne changed his last name from “Hathorne” to separate himself from his great-great-grandfather judge John Hathorne, who was one of the judges who oversaw the Salem Witch Trials.

The silver jewelry on their arms is based on real jewelry splints.

It’s faint, but Hawthorne got a bit of the sparkly vampire genes from their dad.

Their fashion and especially their love of embroidery was inspired by the traditional fashion of the Balkans, where real life Dhampir myths come from.

Their piercings are supposed to look like ticks, ‘cause bloodsucker.

[the-witching-ash]

Gilmore Girls M-W Masterlist

Name: Magnus Medina

Faceclaim: Dylan O’Brien

Love Interest: Jess Mariano

Story: N/A

Name: Mario Medina

Faceclaim: John Barrowman

Story: N/A

Name: Mercy Medina

Faceclaim: Michelle Trachtenberg

Love Interest: Logan Huntzberger

Story: N/A

Name: Richie Gilmore

Faceclaim: Grant Gustin

Love Interest: Vance Hawthorn

Story: Things You Can’t Speak About

Name: Richie Gilmore/Richie Donahue-Callisto

Faceclaim: Grant Gustin

Love Interest Troy Donahue-Callisto & Harry Bechtel

A second variation of Richie who exists in the Delicate verse with @randomestfandoms-ocs' Kirsty, Troy, Harry, Vicki, and Lottie, sometimes combined with other crossovers.

Name: Regina Gilmore

Faceclaim: Leighton Meester

Love Interest: Vance Hawthorn, Grace Kim

Story: How Girls Should Behave

Name: Rupert Hawthorn

Faceclaim: Tom Cavanagh

Love Interest: Alice Hathorn

Story: Multi

Name: Simon Forester

Faceclaim: Joe Keery

Love Interest: Jess Mariano/Kirsty Gilmore*

Story: Things You Can’t Speak About/Delicate*

*In the Delicate-verse with @randomestfandoms-ocs, Simon is usually Kirsty Gilmore’s love interest, with the exception of Everything Changes.

Name: Vance Hawthorn

Faceclaim: Ed Westwick

Love Interest: Regina Gilmore (How Girls Should Behave), Colin McCrae & Finn (multi-verse endgame), Richie Gilmore (endgame ship in Things You Can’t Speak About)

Story: Multi

Name: Vienna Geller

Faceclaim: Kiernan Shipka

Love Interest: Tristan Dugray, endgame TBD

Story: Mastermind

Name: Wayne Colt-Forester

Faceclaim: Jensen Ackles

Love Interest: Dennis Colt-Forester

Story: Things You Can’t Speak About

[faithandarisadventures]

Charter Street Cemetery October 21, 2023 Salem, Massachusetts

This is the cemetery where some the bodies of the victims of the witch trials were dumped and never given a proper burial because it was considered unclean or bad luck to touch the body of a witch. The grave of John Hathorne, the most hated judge during the trials, is also here. This is one of the oldest cemeteries in the US, which opened in 1637.

[missazura]

“DECENT PERSON?” “IN PURSUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS?” COOL IT WITH THE SANCTIMONY, JOHN HATHORNE, THE LAST THING I NEED IS A PROSTYLATIZING HYPOCRITE.

FLASH HISTORY LESSON: THE NEW ENGLAND WITCH TRIALS WERE A REAL ‘MARTINS AND THE COYS’ STYLE BLOOD FEUD. ONCE THOSE SNIVELING ADOLESCENTS FIRST CRIED WITCH,” EVERYONE’S WANTED A CUT. THE PUTNAMS COULD ICE OUT THE PORTERS, SNAG THEIR LAND IN A FUN LEGAL LOOPHOLE, AND CARRY ON AS THE DRIVING POLITICAL FORCE OF SALEM VILLAGE. GREAT TO SEE

YOU’RE KEEPING THE OLD TRADITIONS ALIVE! BRING BACK MERCURY AS COLD MEDICINE NEXT!

-BGB

(( fuyddhshjdk

[twistedtummies2]

The Devils I Know - Number 18

Welcome to “The Devils I Know!” For this spooky time of year, from now till Halloween, I’ll be counting down My Top 31 Depictions of the Devil, from movies, television, video games, and more! Today’s Devil is truly a silver-tongued classic. Number 18 is…Walter Huston, from The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941).

Based on the story of the same name, “The Devil and Daniel Webster” is a semi-comedic drama whom many consider to be home to one of the greatest Devils of all of cinema. He’s one of the oldest portrayals on this list, without a doubt. That Devil is Walter Huston as the inimitable Mr. Scratch. The story focuses on a young man, Jabez Stone, who makes a deal with the Devil for seven years of wealth and prosperity. However, in typical fashion, Stone finds that while he does become richer, his private life spirals downward: his wife and later his child both become increasingly distant from him, and his neighbors begin to turn against him.

The only friend Jabez has in the world is Daniel Webster: the famous American lawyer and politician. Webster sympathizes with Stone’s plight, having been visited by Mr. Scratch in the past, himself; however, Webster was wise enough to turn the Devil down. As the due date for Stone’s soul draws nearer, Webster agrees to help him, and thus makes a deal of his own with the Devil: they will put Jabez Stone on trial for what he’s done. If Webster wins, Stone’s soul is returned to him and the deal is off. However, if Webster loses, both he and Jabez Stone will be immediately damned and dragged down to Hell. To make things riskier, the Devil is the one who selects the judge and jury, which turns out to be made up of some of the most notorious figures in American history, such as Benedict Arnold and John Hathorne of the Salem Witch Trials. It’s to this group of cutthroat souls that Webster must make his case. Huston’s Devil I mentioned before as a huge influence on Tom Waits’ portrayal in “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus,” and if you watch the two movies back to back, you will clearly see why. Mr. Scratch, as depicted in this movie, is much the same way Waits plays his Mr. Nick. Scratch is a jolly imp of a Devil; frequently smiling, merry and mischievous, with a slick tongue and a sly twinkle in his eye. He’s a remarkably loveable scoundrel for the Lord of All Evil, and much of the comedy in the film comes from his wily and wicked interpretation of the Devil. HOWEVER, there’s also a noted dark side to Huston’s Mr. Scratch: as the film goes on, and the stakes grow higher and higher, Scratch becomes and increasingly menacing and spooky character. That gleam in the eye becomes less impish and more truly diabolical. Yet even so, he never loses his sense of humor or his slippery sort of personality, making it hard to truly hate this Devil. When the final scene of the film arrives (I won’t say what it is), it’s hard to tell if we should be laughing or quaking in our boots, and I think that’s the point: we know that Mr. Scratch is rotten to the core, but we can’t help but find him entertaining. That is the magic of this mad demon.

Tomorrow, the countdown continues with Number 17! HINT: “He…is my Number One…Guy.” (pauses) Well, actually he’s number 17, but you get the idea.

[rabbitcruiser]

Based on formal complaints from Joseph Hutchinson, Thomas Putnam, Edward Putnam and Thomas Preston, Magistrates John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin issue warranted to arrest Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne and Tituba for afflicting Elizabeth Parris, Abigail Williams, Ann Putnam Jr. and Elizabeth Hubbard on February 29, 1692.  

Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne and Tituba were brought before local magistrates in Salem Village, March 1, 1692, beginning what would become known as the Salem witch trials.  

[chryza]

Giles Corey here, chiming in on discord names

HOW COULD I FORGET, from John Hathorne, of course

[spellboundtour]

Ghosts among Us: Discovering the Supernatural Side of Salem at Night

Often during our childhood haunted stories have fascinated everyone around us and when growing up hearing these tales one is naturally drawn to explore these places. One such destination that comes at the top of the list of millennials looking forward to a ghost tour is Salem in Massachusetts.

Exploring the supernatural side of Salem at night is something that every person visiting the city looks forward to & here in this article, we will discuss some of the most haunted places in Salem that you can visit at night.

The Witch House

Burying Point Cemetery

Hawthorne Hotel

Salem Jail

The Witch House

One of the most sought-after haunted places in Salem is the Witch House which draws in hordes of tourists at night due to its intriguing backstory. The witch house belongs to or rather belonged to Jonathan Corwin. Yes, you heard it right the infamous judge who presided over the witch trials.

Moreover, the Witch House is also famous because it is the only building standing to date that has a direct connection with the trials. But the underlying reason behind the Witch House being one of the major tourist attractions in Salem is because even today people have experienced paranormal activities when visiting the Witch House.

Most inhabitants and tourists claim that the Witch House is haunted by the spirits of people who were wrongly sentenced for practicing sorcery. Even some people claim that they have seen the spirit of Corwin in the Witch House to date which makes it a must-visit place at night when exploring Salem.

Burying Point Cemetery

The Burying Point Cemetery was established in 1637 and is the oldest cemetery in Salem and it is open to visitors who can explore the various cemeteries and ancient graves in the place. Now, if you are interested in learning the history of the place, this is the perfect place to start with in Salem.

Besides that, there are many famous persons belonging to that era like John Hathorne & Jonathon Corwin who have been buried in this Burying Point Cemetery. Most people visiting the Burning Point Cemetery have reported unnatural happenings and the cemetery is haunted by many spirits.

Well, the only way to find out the truth is by visiting the cemetery after light hours and there are also many tour operators who provide nighttime tours to the Burying Point Cemetery. Besides that, the cemetery also gives you a glimpse of Salem’s colonial history.

Hawthorne Hotel

Now, the list of haunted hotels in Salem is long but there are some hotels that feature at the top of the list when it comes to haunted places in Salem. The Hawthorne Hotel was constructed in 1925 and is considered one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

The hotel is also considered an architectural marvel because it reflects the colonial era and also because of its spooky status. The guests and staff staying and working in the hotel respectively have often reported hearing unusual sounds like voices and footsteps in the corridors and outside their room.

In fact, there are also people who have reported weird functioning of the lights like the lights turning on and off automatically. Now, people visit the hotel because rather than discouraging people, the hotel authorities encourage tourists to stay in their hotel & especially if you want to experience paranormal activity then opt for the 6th floor.

Salem Jail

The list of haunted places to explore at night in Salem is going to stay incomplete if the name of Salem Jail is not included in the list. The history of Salem Jail is tied to the famous witch trials as the people accused of witchcraft during that time were confined to these prisons during the trial period.

Many prisoners who were kept here during the trial phase died in these cells because of unhygienic conditions and the biting cold.

Although the old jail doesn’t exist over here anymore still visitors are drawn to this particular place because of the paranormal happenings like the feeling of sudden chill in certain spots, the sound of a woman weeping, and people reporting seeing shadows. Well, all these happenings make it an interesting place to explore during your night ghost tour.

Finally

The above-discussed factors are some of the most haunted places in Salem that are thronged by visitors from across the globe visiting Salem for ghost tours. If you are planning a trip to Salem then make it a point to explore these haunted places to make your tour the most memorable one.

[cagenerals]

Importance of Justice by A

        The Crucible takes place in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 during the Salem Witch Trials. The play has many subjects such as hysteria, nature of authority, guilt, and hypocrisy. Despite the many subjects in The Crucible, the single most important subject is justice, or the lack thereof.  Justice is the concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, religion or equality; unfortunately for all of those involved, these concepts were not portrayed in the court of Salem. The courts in The Crucible not only allowed the liars to be set free, but worse, they accused the innocent. A proper display of justice is crucial in every society; without one, it can lead to mass hysteria. While many injustices are demonstrated throughout this play, the actions speak loudest from those willing to fight for what is morally right.

        Although the court system was created as a way to fight for justice, the actions from the court in The Crucible were, unfortunately, contradictory. Those involved in officiating include: Judge John Hathorne, Reverend Samuel Parris, Reverend John Hale, Ezekiel Cheever, and the leader of the court, Deputy Governor Thomas Danforth. An example of the courts abusing their power and not being just is by assuming the accused are guilty until proven innocent. All it takes is an accusation for an individual to be arrested for witchcraft; you do not even need to provide proof. Unfortunately, John Proctor was a victim of this injustice. When John was arrested, it was from an accusation made by Mary Warren. She stated,  “He wake me every night, his eyes were like coals and his fingers claw my neck, and I sign, I sign… Marshal! Take him and Corey with him to the jail!”(Miller 119, 120). After hearing Mary’s plea, Deputy Governor Thomas Danforth arrested Proctor immediately. Even though Mary did not have any proof to provide to the court other than her word, it was enough for Danforth to make his decision. He was so determined to find witches that it blinded him from using proper judgment. As Mary Warren retells the court proceedings she says “Aye, but then Judge Hathorne say, “Recite for us your commandments!” - leaning avidly toward them - and of all the ten she could not say a single one. She never knew no commandments,” (Miller 58). She explains to John and Elizabeth Proctor that since Sarah Good could not recite her commandments, she must be guilty of witchcraft. She can not be innocent if she does not know her commandments and so she is immediately condemned. This is just another of many examples that demonstrate the corrupt ways of the court as she is not questioned further. There is no way to prove your innocence if you are assumed guilty, and without evidence, there is no opportunity to provide an explanation.

        An additional example of injustice shown in The Crucible is the court’s refusal to accept all forms of evidence. When Mary Warren, a key witness, gives a deposition stating she was lying, Danforth does not accept it. He says to Proctor, “No, no, I accept no depositions.” (Miller 88). Even after admitting her claims were false, the court still did not listen to her. Despite innocent lives at stake, the court only hears what they want to hear to get their desired outcome. All it takes is one accusation, true or not, and the future of the accused lies in the hands of the courts and their agenda. There are also many outbursts by the officials of the courts, such as Reverend Samuel Parris. He often yells out and interrupts the court saying manipulating comments like, “Excellency, you surely cannot think to let so vile a lie be spread in open court!” (Miller 82). This goes to show that some of the biggest influencers in court can yell, scream, and speak out of turn to sway the judge’s opinion to make their own personal opinions about the case known. What happened to allowing others to speak their side of the story uninterrupted? The court should not be a public debate.

        However, throughout all of the corruption, there is still hope. Reverend John Hale began to realize the flaws within the court. He questioned Danforth and his reasoning. Hale argued, “But this child claims the girls are not truthful, and if they are not-” referring to Mary Warren and her deposition. He knows it is only right to take all evidence into consideration in order to truly be just. Furthermore, he puts himself out there with Danforth, not only showing how much he cares about justice, but how seriously he will advocate for it, even if it means risking it all. Hale additionally suggested the court should get lawyers involved in order to make for a fair hearing. Hale states, “I cannot say he is an honest man; I know him little. But in all justice, sir, a claim so weighty cannot be argued by a farmer. In God’s name, sir, stop here; send him home and let him come again with a lawyer”(Miller 99). Towards the end of the court proceedings, after none of his suggestions are granted, Hale quits as he is so fed up with the court. Hale proclaims, “​​I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court!” (Miller 120). After doing everything he can throughout the hearing, he knows, morally, that he can no longer stand to be associated with this misconduct.

        The other most prominent character fighting for justice is John Proctor. He sees the court for what they truly are from the beginning. He first vocalizes this by saying, “And why not, if they must hang for denyin’ it? There are them that will swear to anything before they’ll hang; have you never thought of that?” (Miller 69). He sees that if people deny the accusations they will be hanged, and if they lie they are still guilty just for something different according to the Bible; it’s a lose-lose situation. When you are accused, no matter the situation, if it does not align with the opinions of the court, the outcome is decided. Proctor says this to Hale, who at the time is still a member of the court. His concerns ultimately convince Hale to question the court proceedings and ultimately try to fight for justice. Proctor additionally fights in court when his wife is accused of witchcraft. He is the one that went with Mary Warren to give Danforth her deposition. He also gave Danforth the deposition, which ninety-one people signed, showing their good opinion of Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Martha Corey. In court, Proctor says, “These are all landholding farmers, members of the church. If you’ll notice, sir - they’ve known the women many years and never saw no sign they had dealings with the Devil.”(Miller 93). Proctor is trying to prove innocence by using the deposition as his evidence. It is not not just his wife that he is fighting for in this play, and he proves that by saying, “These are my friends. Their wives are also accused -”(Miller 92). Ultimately, he is given a deal to save Elizabeth’s life for one year, but denies it in an effort to help everyone else as well. Proctor wants justice for everyone and he is doing everything in his power to fight for it.

        Despite all the daunting flaws of the court of Salem, there are individuals doing their best to rise above the noise, defying the norms, for justice and change; John Hale and John Proctor being the most prominent. However, the change has to happen from within. With representatives such as Thomas Danforth and Samuel Parris in charge of the courts, injustice is all but inevitable.  Being fair and treating everyone impartially are of the utmost importance for every society. Without courts abiding by these principles, innocent lives will continue to be threatened.

Miller, Arthur, and Abbotson Susan C W. The Crucible.

[miniaturemoonheart]

On this day, in the year 1692, Giles Corey was examined before magistrates John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin in Salem Village. Goodman Corey would be the only person tortured to death during the witchcraft trials, dying by a brutal and rarely used method of torture in September.

Numerous myths and misconceptions surround the death of Giles Corey. For example, many believe he died defending his land, worried it would be seized by officials if he was found guilty. Others say he cursed the sheriffs of Salem during his slow demise, leading to a chain of unexplainable deaths.

Both these and many other legends surrounding Giles Corey's death are inaccurate, yet another illustration of how history often behaves like a game of telephone.

Interested in learning more about these myths and misconceptions? Don’t miss our Ancestry Days event “Learning from Our Mistakes: Researching the Salem Witch Trials” this Friday! This free, virtual lecture will take place at 6:00 pm EST on Zoom. It will also be recorded and shared to our website and YouTube page for future accessibility!

[wonky-mushroom]

The Court of Oyer and Terminer

date: September 14th 1692

location: Salem town Massachusetts

accused:  miss Anne Osbourne

judge: Mr. John Hathorne

report:

sentenced for communing with the devil

Miss Anne Osbourne was bought before the church on September 14th for wearing garments torn or worn in an unholy manor tempting the good, holy men of Salem town. upon hearing the sentence, the accused screamed back in anguish and cursed the jury, leaning into the accusation from the court further. A witch cake made from the accused's urine, mixed with rye-meal and ashes, was baked by Mr. James Holmes, as the assailant was held in the church jail overnight. This was then fed to the cat suspected of being the accused's familiar to test if the church's suspicions were correct. The baker of the witch cake was said to have had a divine vision of the accused abducting the children of the town, although the animal sustained no injury. The accused was sentenced to burn at the stake for her crimes against the lord and village. Upon the stroke of midnight, the accused was lashed to a spike on top of a pile of firewood, set ablaze and left to burn, screaming curses of the devil at the town and people. The ashes will be cleansed and thrown into the bay river. Her records will be destroyed in the gods' purifying flames as this is the 8th witch we have found in our midst and fear the devil may be calling to these women through the water. May God help these holy men.

sources:

https://www.history.com/topics/colonial-america/salem-witch-trials

The Penguin Book of Witches by Katherine Howe

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_witch_trials#:~:text=Arrests%20were%20made%20in%20numerous,)%2C%20notably%20Andover%20and%20Topsfield

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_witch_trials#:~:text=The%20Salem%20witch%20trials%20were,fourteen%20women%20and%20five%20men)..