Witchcraft in Colonial America When

Witchcraft in Colonial America When reading Cotton Mather's text, it is interesting not only to read about the case itself, but also to inference the reactions and beliefs behind the witchcraft issue. Witchcraft in Colonial America was an issue that escalated nearly to Spanish Inquisition proportions. Indeed, the text does indicate that the accused would be sentenced to death. However, when personal shock and outrage are put aside, the reader gains an understanding of the subtleties underlying the accusations and experiences described in the text.

The first thing I noticed was Mather's apparent pride in his own work. According to the text, he had just finished a book on matters of witchcraft and religion, of which he is clearly proud. Indeed, he compares himself, although in an apparently humble manner, with other writers of his time that he regards as great. The subdued terms in which he speaks of this pride both highlights the depth of his feeling and the drive to humility that was dictated by the rligious paradigm of the time.

He calls his book "little" and a "Lackey" to the others of which he spoke, but nonetheless considers it worthy to be in their company. In more general terms, the social values of the time are also highlighted by Mather's writing. He for example speaks of Indian wigwams where "pagan" rituals such as raising the dead and shapeshifting are often practiced. Although by no means on a conscious level, this shows a sense of superiority with a basis of racism.

In addition, the society of the time experienced both fear and superiority towards the Indians. This created a psychological dichotomy, to which they could only respond by accusations of witchcraft and magic; the worst accusations they could think of at the time. Mather then juxtaposes the despised Indians with a Christian family, the subject of the piece. Clearly, the intention is to shock readers with the realization that "even" Christians could be subject to the evils of witchcraft and spirits.

Once again, the sense of superiority comes to light in his statements. That a Christian family could be afflicted in this way was unthinkable, yet it happened. The general colonial attitude towards servants confirms the superiority issues and correlates with the Indian issue mentioned above. A washerwoman was suspected of theft. The conclusion was immediately drawn that the washerwoman in question was using the linen for witchcraft practices. This event appears to indicate a slightly hysterical disposition that suspects guilt before innocence, especially within the lower classes of society.

The woman in question and her mother are both described as "ignorant" and the woman's mother is described as "scandalous." This assessment is not elaborated or clarified, but fits well with the rest of the document. The concepts "ignorant," "scandalous," and "pagan" are directly opposed to the concepts of piety and virtue in the document.

In the introduction, it is significant that the first set of concepts are directly related to the lower classes and native cultures of America, while the second set is related directly to white Christians, who were in power at the time.