Kommentar |
The Salem Witchcraft Trials took place in the village of Salem in Massachusetts in 1692-93, during which more than 150 were arrested and almost 30 were convicted. The court proceedings are completely documented. In this course we will look at the social, cultural and cognitive conditions that made such a large outbreak of a witch hunt possible. An investigation of the courtroom interrogations and witness depositions will enable insights into the spoken language of the time and into rhetorical strategies used by both accusers and accused in pursuit of their aims. Additionally, we will have a look at contemporary commentaries on the events and at modern (re)writings, such as Arthur Miller's The Crucible. |