Salem Witch Trails
What year, city and state did the Salem witch trails take place ?
1692 in Salem Massachusetts
Who is the main character in Half Hanged Mary?
Mary Webster
What historical practice is central to the poem?
Witch trials.
why was Mary hanged?
For living alone & being a woman
What rumor is being spread around?
Someone is going to be hung soon.
Who became Famous for accusing many people of being communist without solid evidence?
Senator Joseph McCarthy
What was Mary accused of?
Witchcraft.
During what general time period did Mary’s story take place?
Colonial New England.
What point of view is mainly used in the poem?
First person.
Who wrote Half Hanged Mary?
Margaret Atwood.
Define Hysteria
extra 100 if you give an example.
is when a group of people reacts with extreme fear, excitement, or panic often an exaggerated or irrational way and those spread quickly to others.
What punishment was Mary given?
She was hanged.
What belief contributed to accusations of witchcraft?
Superstition and fear of witches.
What is the tone of the poem?
Dark, angry, and defiant.
What type of writing is Half Hanged Mary?
A free verse poem.
Miller wrote the Crucible to warn about the dangers of __ & __ ?
Hysteria and Unfair trails
What happened to Mary after she was hanged?
She survived.
Why were people sometimes accused of witchcraft?
They could be blamed because of perception of looks, suspicion, fear, or community rumours.
What does the tree symbolize?
Mary’s suffering, punishment, and survival.
What is one important lesson readers can learn from Mary’s story?
People should not be judged or persecuted because of fear, rumors, or prejudice.
what is Half hanged Mary real name?
Mary Webster
What qualities does Mary show throughout the poem?
Courage, strength, and perserverance.
What does the poem reveal about the justice system of the time?
It could be unfair and influenced by fear and superstition.
Why is the title Half Hanged Mary ironic?
Mary is hanged but survives the execution.
who were the bonnets in the poem?
Women