Salem Witch Trials Point of View Analysis

Students will read 4 excerpts on the Salem Witch Trials (from Cotton Mather, Thomas Brattle, Governor William Phips, and Mary Easty) and answer 34 questions. Each excerpt has a different take, or perspective, on the course of the trials. Two links are provided at the end for students to read additional biographical information on those involved (accusers, accused, town leaders, etc). The answers are included where appropriate and this would be great for a sub!

Sample questions include:
--Explain the reference to the colonial territory has having once been the Devil’s territory.
--How does Mather attempt to establish his credibility in this account?
--Compare and contrast How’s trial “evidence” with Martin’s.
--Explain Brattle’s perception of the judges. Is it more similar or different to how Mather sees them and why? 
--Explain one reason Brattle thinks innocent people have mistakenly been found guilty.
--Citing the most persuasive evidence from the text, does Brattle support the trials, why or why not?
--Does Easty seem to think what she is asking for is achievable, why or why not?
--For what reason was Phips brought to New England?
--How did Phips go one step further to try and maintain control over the events in Salem?

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