Susanna(h) Martin by Savanna Giles

Introduction

savjoe2000 — 2024-09-21 02:40:58 UTC

After reading excerpts from Mather about the Salem Witch Trials, I found the information about Susanna Martin’s trial interesting. I was drawn to this specific trial after reading the accounts of those who accused her. Though the actions she was accused of sound torturous (and insane), she was mostly ridiculed for her demeanor and lack of femininity. I’ll be explaining her background and trial using media that I hope will simplify her story. I will also include research about The Salem Witch Trials through a feminist lens.

A brief history of her life

savjoe2000 — 2024-09-21 02:44:54 UTC

Background

savjoe2000 — 2024-09-21 02:50:51 UTC

In 1692, 8 young girls suffered from unexplained psychological related illnesses, causing mass hysteria in Salem. The conclusion was that the girls were "bewitched". Susanna Martin was accused three times and found guilty and sentenced to death.

Accusations: John Atkinson

savjoe2000 — 2024-09-21 02:58:37 UTC

Scrolling down you'll see an account from John Atikson, he explains how a deal made with her son went terribly. Though I'm sure the actions accused were exaggerations, it's interesting to note how her bad attitude is one of the reasons she's being accused.

Interesting Facts

savjoe2000 — 2024-09-21 03:16:52 UTC

Had 8 children, widowed in 1686
6 unsuccessful lawsuits to inherit father’s estate (left poor)
30 years of gossip and accusations involving witchcraft
Described as one of the most, “impudent, Scurrilous, wicked creatures in the world”

Poem by John Greenleaf Whittier in 1857

savjoe2000 — 2024-09-21 03:31:37 UTC

“Let Goody Martin rest in peace, I never knew her harm a fly,
And witch or not – God knows – not I?
I know who swore her life away;
And as God lives, I’d not condemn
An Indian dog on word of them.”

List of Accusations

savjoe2000 — 2024-09-21 03:39:30 UTC

Giving birth and killing illegitimate baby (husband sued accuser for slander)
Having a “witch mark” (physically examined against her will)
Bewitching people and livestock

Feminist Perspective

savjoe2000 — 2024-09-21 03:51:57 UTC

I found this article on the Salem Witch Trials through a feminist lens and wanted to include it. It discusses gender norms in and how many of the women accused of witchcraft were said to be, " behaving in a manner not befitting of Puritanical society".

A line that stuck out to me: "] The women in Salem were indoctrinated into believing this myth that honour is contingent with maternal and feminine qualities, a classic illustration of the control exercised over women by the established order of the time, in an attempt to subdue them, for fear of their own position and standing in the community being compromised."