Sarah Good and the witchcraft hysteria in Salem Sarah Good was one of the accused during the witchcraft hysteria that swept through Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. This era was marked by a climate of fear and paranoia, which led to the execution of many innocent people. The accusations against Sarah Good were based on hearsay and rumors, rather than solid evidence. Sarah Good was known to be a poor and socially isolated woman, which made her an easy target for the witchcraft accusations. She was often seen begging for food and shelter, and her peculiar behavior further fueled suspicion among the townspeople. Many believed that she was in league with the Devil and practicing witchcraft.
Sarah's first husband was Daniel Poole, a former indentured servant. When he died in 1682, Sarah remarried, this time to William Good, a weaver. Sarah's stepfather testified later that he gave Sarah and William her inheritance in 1686; Sarah and William sold the property to settle debts that year; they were held responsible for the debts Daniel Poole had left.
Sarah Good is most known for being among the first to be executed in the 1692 Salem witch trials; her newborn died during her confinement and her 4- or 5-year-old daughter, Dorcas, was also among the accused and imprisoned. William worked as a laborer around Salem Village in exchange for food and lodging, but it became increasingly difficult for the family to find a place to stay as Sarah s reputation for and being socially unpleasant spread throughout the town.
Many believed that she was in league with the Devil and practicing witchcraft. The trial of Sarah Good was heavily influenced by the prevailing religious beliefs of the time. Puritanism was the dominant religion in Salem, and the fear of witchcraft was deeply ingrained in the community.
Sarah Good Biography
Jone Johnson Lewis is a women's history writer who has been involved with the women's movement since the late 1960s. She is a former faculty member of the Humanist Institute.
Updated on November 21, 2019Sarah Good is most known for being among the first to be executed in the 1692 Salem witch trials; her newborn died during her confinement and her 4- or 5-year-old daughter, Dorcas, was also among the accused and imprisoned.
The Puritans believed that witches made deals with the Devil and used their powers to harm others. Anyone suspected of witchcraft was seen as a threat to the religious and social order, and therefore had to be eliminated. During her trial, Sarah Good was subjected to unfair treatment and bias. She was interrogated using leading questions and coerced into confessing to witchcraft. Her impoverished status and lack of social standing made her an easy target for those looking to place blame. Many witnesses came forward with fantastical claims against her, further solidifying her guilt in the eyes of the court. In June 1692, Sarah Good, along with four other accused witches, was convicted and sentenced to death. She was hanged on July 19, 1692. Her execution, along with the others, was a tragic consequence of the witchcraft hysteria that gripped Salem. It was only later that the courts acknowledged the lack of evidence and the unfairness of the trials. The witchcraft hysteria in Salem and the execution of innocent people like Sarah Good serve as a dark reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of due process and fairness in the legal system. The events in Salem remain a cautionary tale, highlighting the destructive power of fear and superstition..
Reviews for "The Witch Trials: Sarah Good's Story in the Context of Salem"
1. John Smith - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Sarah Good and the Witchcraft Hysteria in Salem." The plot felt disjointed, and I struggled to connect with the characters. The story lacked depth and failed to evoke any real emotions. I felt that the portrayal of the witchcraft hysteria in Salem was superficial and didn't do justice to such a crucial moment in history. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to explore this fascinating period in a more meaningful way.
2. Emma Johnson - 3/5 stars - While "Sarah Good and the Witchcraft Hysteria in Salem" had an intriguing premise, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing was slow, and I had a hard time staying engaged throughout the book. The characters lacked development and failed to elicit any empathy from me. Additionally, I felt that the author didn't fully delve into the psychological aspects of the witch trials, which could have added depth to the story. Overall, it had potential but fell short of my expectations.
3. Michael Anderson - 2/5 stars - I couldn't get into "Sarah Good and the Witchcraft Hysteria in Salem" at all. The writing style was dry and monotonous, making it difficult to connect with the story. The characters felt one-dimensional, and their actions often seemed forced. The historical accuracy of the events portrayed also left much to be desired. Overall, it was a lackluster read that failed to captivate me or shed new light on the infamous witch trials in Salem.