Then came out of the House a grave, tall Man carrying the Holy Writ before the supposed Wizard etc., (as solemnly as the Sword-bearer of London before the Lord Mayor) the Wizard was first put in the Scale, and over him was read a Chapter out of the Books of Moses, and then the Bible was put in the other Scale, (which, being kept down before) was immediately let go; but, to the great Surprize of the Spectators, Flesh and Bones came down plump, and outweighed that great good Book by abundance. After the same Manner the others were served, and their Lumps of Mortality severally were too heavy for Moses and all the Prophets and Apostles.

Question

Question
Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this narrative.

Which phrase from the excerpt most clearly makes the witch trial seem ridiculous?

Responses

"…as solemnly as the Sword-bearer of London…"
"…as solemnly as the Sword-bearer of London…"

"…came out of the House…"
"…came out of the House…"

"…carrying the Holy Writ…"
"…carrying the Holy Writ…"

"…Flesh and Bones came down plump.…"
"…Flesh and Bones came down plump.…"

Answer 1

The phrase that most clearly makes the witch trial seem ridiculous is:

"…Flesh and Bones came down plump.…"

This phrase emphasizes the absurdity of the trial by suggesting that the physical weight of a person's body is being compared to the weight of sacred texts, highlighting the nonsensical nature of the proceedings.