Discussion Questions Directions: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared to share your original ideas in a class discussion. 1. After reading the text, what do you think caused the Salem Witch Trials? Does any one reason stand out to you or do you think it was a combination of factors/ conditions? 2. What might have caused a person to accuse another of witchcraft? 3. The Salem Witch Trials is a period largely considered a case of "mass hysteria": a phenomenon in which collective fear and paranoia of threats, real or imagined, overtakes the behavior of a community. In the context of this idea and of the overall text, what are the effects of following the crowd? What other events may be considered an example of mass hysteria? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer. 6

Question

4. In the context of this passage, how does fear drive action? Does fear prevent groups of people from acting rationally? What else besides fear may have contributed to the Salem Witch Trials? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

Answer 1

Sure! Here’s a brainstorming response to each of your discussion questions regarding the Salem Witch Trials.

1. Causes of the Salem Witch Trials: I believe the Salem Witch Trials were caused by a combination of factors. Key elements included social tensions, religious fervor, political unrest, and personal grievances. The Puritan community was highly superstitious and had a strong belief in the supernatural, which made individuals susceptible to accusations. Additionally, the fear of the unknown, particularly after the traumatic experiences of King William's War, played a significant role. The combination of these anxieties, alongside rivalries and existing conflicts within the community, seems to underscore the hysteria that ensued.

2. Causes for Accusing Others of Witchcraft: A person might accuse another of witchcraft for various reasons, including personal vendettas, fear of social ostracism, or a desire for power. In many cases, accusations could stem from jealousy or disputes over property and relationships. Accusing someone of witchcraft could redirect suspicion onto others and distract from one’s own troubles or guilt. The societal norms and influences during this time may have made people feel compelled to conform to prevailing views, sometimes at the expense of truth and justice.

3. Effects of Following the Crowd: Following the crowd in the context of mass hysteria can lead to irrational behavior and collective decision-making that is not grounded in reason. In the Salem Witch Trials, this phenomenon manifested as a rapid escalation of accusations and a rush to judgment without substantial evidence. Other historical examples of mass hysteria include the McCarthyism era in the United States, where fear of communism led to widespread accusations and paranoia, and events like the "Dancing Plague" of 1518 in Strasbourg, where groups of people danced uncontrollably with no clear reason, leading to societal chaos. In literature, George Orwell’s "1984" showcases how fear and the manipulation of truth can drive people to conform unthinkingly to oppressive norms.

4. Fear as a Driving Force: Fear can be a powerful motivator that drives groups to take drastic actions, often leading to irrational decisions and a breakdown in moral reasoning. During the Salem Witch Trials, the fear of the devil, of the unknown, and of being falsely accused led many to act against their instincts of justice and fairness. The pressure to conform to the majority view often overwhelmed individuals’ capacity for critical thought. Beyond fear, elements such as the desire for social approval, the need for scapegoats, and the existing social hierarchy likely contributed to the outcomes of the trials. Historical events such as the Spanish Inquisition also illustrate how fear can lead to persecution, fueled by societal pressures and the quest for control.

These ideas can provide a foundation for your discussion in class. Good luck!