Easy Vocabulary
This is the name of the religion Tituba followed.
Voodoo.
What state is Salem located in?
Massachusetts.
A type of poisonous fungus that grows on rye.
Who was Cotton Mather?
A paranoid man who passed out pamphlets across Salem Town, accusing poor people and unmarried older women of being witches.
A birthmark on her neck.
What does the word "lottery" mean, in Shirley Jackson's short story?
If you win the lottery, you get stoned to death.
Who wrote "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas"?
Ursula K. Le Guin.
What is the name of the film Mrs. Wallace recommended watching if you want to learn more about the Salem Witch Trials? (HINT - Not the "Blair Witch Project").
"The Crucible".
Which woman was pregnant when she was tried and convicted for witchcraft?
Sarah Good.
Spectral evidence is ________________.
When someone uses a dream as evidence against someone else.
What is a utopia?
A perfect place.
What was wrong with the city of Omelas?
In order for the city to be perfect, a child was badly abused.
When did the Salem Witch Trials occur?
1692.
Along with Sarah Good and Tituba, who was the third woman that Abigail and Betty accused of witchcraft?
Sarah Osborne.
Gallows Hill and the Parris' house are what types of place today?
Museums.
What is a scapegoat?
Someone who receives the blame for actions they did not commit. Usually, they are punished.
Who dies in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?
Tessie Hutchinson.
How many people were executed during the trials?
At least 23 (20 died in hanging, 2 in jail, and 1 was pressed with stones to death).
After the execution of his wife, Martha, this man was pressed to death with stones for refusing to confess to witchcraft. It took him 3 days to die.
Giles Corey.
Why were most of the victims of the trials poor, unmarried, older women?
Prejudice, sexism, classism - the townspeople may have used the trials as a way to "purify" the town of less desirable citizens.
What is hysteria?
When someone freaks out or has an inappropriate reaction to an event.
What is a Puritan?
Someone who descended from the Pilgrims; a person who has strict religious beliefs - proper clothing; no cursing; no sinning; always going to Church; no children outside of wedlock; no worship of devils or magic.
What is a witchcake?
A cake made of rye flour and the victim's urine, mixed, baked, and eaten by a dog. If the dog exhibited strange behavior, then the victim was accused of witchcraft.
This politician opened up the court of Oyer and Terminer to further investigate the trials. What type of office did he hold?
Governor William Phipps.
What is so ironic about the way society views witches today?
Now, it's popular to be associated with witches and witchcraft. Back then, it could've gotten you killed.