S1 – 3: By the Book
10/17/18 • 45 min
4 Listeners
As the first suspects are rounded up and questioned by the biased and partisan officials, their confessions unleash more trouble than relief. And as the number of witches multiplies, so too does the number of accusers. In an increasingly uncertain time, the Village leans on its faith.
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As the first suspects are rounded up and questioned by the biased and partisan officials, their confessions unleash more trouble than relief. And as the number of witches multiplies, so too does the number of accusers. In an increasingly uncertain time, the Village leans on its faith.
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Previous Episode
S1 – 2: The Outsiders
Even though Salem had been without an official charter from England for almost a decade, there was no question that witchcraft was still a crime. The only question left was how to handle them, and the answer would involve pitting a group of outsiders against a few powerful insiders.
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Next Episode
S1 – 4: The Refugees
While the events of the Salem witch trials began within the borders of the Salem village community, many of the forces that drove it forward were external. As we're about to see, Salem was full of more than stories about witchcraft—and those external threats were about to come home.
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Unobscured - S1 – 3: By the Book
Transcript Summary
In this gripping episode titled "By the Book," the Salem witchcraft outbreak takes a dark turn as accusations of witchcraft spread throughout the community. The Halfway Covenant loophole allows Giles and Martha Corey to join the church without a public confession, setting off a chain of events that implicates respected church members like Rebecca Nurse and Elizabeth Procter. The authorities guide Tituba's interrogation, coercing her into confessing and further fueling the hysteria. As the electrifying story unfolds, the Puritan faith's obsession with books and the literacy gap between reading and writing become key factors in the events. With tantalizing twists and a cast of fascinating characters, this episode delves into the dark history of the Salem witch trials, offering a captivating exploration of the religious and societal dynamics at play. Don't miss this enthralling episode that unravels the chilling events surrounding nine accused witches and the terrifying consequences of a zealotry-driven society.
Transcript
If what happened in the meeting house on the first day of examinations was an explosion, the after shock echoed far and wide. In fact, a number of reverberations can still be found in the pages of history. That evening, the three women were carted off to jail where they could be held for further questioning and an actual trial. Sarah Osburne and Tituba were taken to the Salem jail, while Sarah Good was transported to the nearby Ipswich Jail, wher
S1 – 3: By the Book Top Questions Answered
What was the Halfway Covenant and how did it affect church membership in Salem?
The Halfway Covenant allowed prospective members in Salem to meet privately with their minister instead of making a public confession, making it easier for individuals like Giles Corey to become church members despite their past sins.
How did reading play a central role in the Puritan faith?
Reading was highly valued by the Puritans in Salem, as it was considered central to their faith. They were known for their obsession with books and believed that reading was crucial for spiritual growth and understanding.
How did beliefs about the Devil's Book contribute to the Salem witchcraft outbreak?
The Devil's Book was believed to be used by the devil to establish contracts with human helpers. The notion of this book and its association with witchcraft heightened fears and played a significant role in the Salem witchcraft outbreak.
What was the role of Tituba in the Salem witchcraft outbreak?
Tituba, a female slave, played a significant role in the Salem witchcraft outbreak. She was interrogated and coerced into confessing, which ultimately led to the escalation of the witchcraft accusations and the subsequent events in Salem.
Why did the people of Salem believe they were targeted by the devil?
The people of Salem believed that they were targeted by the devil because they saw themselves as God's chosen elect, establishing a city on a hill. This perception of divine favor made them susceptible to believing that the devil specifically targeted them.
What role did Mary Warren play in the accusations of witchcraft?
Mary Warren, a hired help of Elizabeth and John Procter, played a role in the accusations of witchcraft. She may have seen an opportunity to accuse others when she heard rumors of accusations, which resulted in her accusing Martha Corey, Giles Corey's wife.
How did the terrible conditions of the jails impact the accused during the Salem witchcraft trials?
The conditions of the jails in Salem and Boston, where the accused were held, were described as "deplorable" and likened to a "suburb of Hell." These conditions further exacerbated the suffering and hardship experienced by those accused of witchcraft.
Who were the key figures involved in the Salem witchcraft trials?
Magistrates Hawthorne and Corwin were key figures involved in the Salem witchcraft trials. They were responsible for interrogating and examining the accused, including Tituba, and played a crucial role in perpetuating the witchcraft hysteria.
How did the accusations of witchcraft spread in Salem?
The accusations of witchcraft in Salem spread rapidly. After three women accused of witchcraft were taken to jail for further questioning, news of the accusations spread during a packed meeting house with approximately six hundred people, leading to widespread fear and panic.
What were the consequences of Tituba's testimony mentioning the Devil's Book?
When Tituba claimed to have seen a tall man who urged her to write in the Devil's Book, it led the magistrates to believe that there were more witches involved. This testimony expanded the scope of the witchcraft accusations and intensified the severity of the situation.
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