The charges by these youngsters spread like wildfire, and in the spring of 1692, they launched a terrifying wave of hysteria. The Salem witch trials that followed are the subject of Miller’s play. A harrowing example of iniquity and unreason, the tragic proceedings have become synonymous with justice gone mad. In less than a year, over 200 individuals were accused of witchcraft, 20 of whom were executed.
The Salem episode was a historic landmark but by no means a rare example of behavior that can afflict frightened, angry, or frustrated people if they’re urged by demagogues to confront an alleged “menace.”
In the United States, groundless fears, prejudices, and demagoguery produced three notable events that echoed the Salem trials. All three happened under extremely tense and stressful circumstances caused by global events: World War II and by the Cold War.
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed a commission to investigate whether the decision to put Japanese Americans into internment camps had been justified. The commission found that it was not. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed into law the Civil Liberties Act, which apologized for the internment on behalf of the U.S. government and authorized a payment of $20,000 to each individual camp survivor.
Part B: Which quote from the text best supports the answer to Part A?
Part A answer: D. While witch hunts may feel like a rare occurrence, such incidents are not uncommon in history, especially when people are fearful or frustrated.
A. " In less than a year, over 200 individuals were accused of witchcraft, 20 of whom were executed." ( Paragraph 5)
B. "The Salem episode was a historic landmark but by no means a rare example of behavior that can afflict frightened, angry, or frustrated people". (Paragraph 13)
C."All three happened under extremely tense and stressful circumstances caused by global events: World War II and by the Cold War". (Paragraph 19)
D. "In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed a commission to investigate whether the decision to put Japanese Americans into internment camps had been justified". (Paragraph 32)
choose the correct answer
1 answer
The correct answer is B. "The Salem episode was a historic landmark but by no means a rare example of behavior that can afflict frightened, angry, or frustrated people." (Paragraph 13)
This quote directly supports the answer to Part A, as it highlights the idea that incidents like the Salem witch trials are not rare, especially in times of fear and frustration.
