The Salem Witch Trials
In January 1692, a mysterious affliction tormented the parsonage of Samuel Parris, the reverend of Salem Village parish. The minister’s daughter, nine-year-old Elizabeth (Betty), and niece, twelve-year-old Abigail Williams, exhibited uncontrollable and erratic behavioral episodes—uttering strange noises, throwing hysterics, contorting their bodies—followed by hours of stupefaction and paralysis. According to Reverend John Hale, a minister from the neighboring town of Beverly, these fits were “be
