The Salem witch trials, also known as the Sarah Good witch trials, were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. It was a dark period in American history that resulted in the execution of 20 individuals, mostly women, and caused immense fear and paranoia in the community. Sarah Good was one of the first women accused of witchcraft in Salem Village. She was a poor, homeless woman who was disliked by many due to her unconventional behavior and social status. She was often seen begging for food and shelter, which further contributed to the suspicions against her. In March 1692, Sarah Good, along with Sarah Osborne and Tituba, were arrested and brought before the local magistrates.
Remarkably, the girl was only warned not to lie in the courtroom and the case continued.
Dorothy Good spent seven to eight months in jail before being released and, as a result of the experience, she was never the same, according to the book The Salem Witch Trials Reader. No actual evidence of the crime was ever presented during the trial and one of the young accusers was even caught in a lie when she claimed Good s spirit stabbed her with a knife, according to an article in The New England magazine.
In March 1692, Sarah Good, along with Sarah Osborne and Tituba, were arrested and brought before the local magistrates. They were accused of causing afflictions and bewitching young girls in the community. Sarah Good and the other accused women vehemently denied the charges, but their pleas fell on deaf ears.
Sarah Good Biography
Jone Johnson Lewis is a women's history writer who has been involved with the women's movement since the late 1960s. She is a former faculty member of the Humanist Institute.
Updated on November 21, 2019Sarah Good is most known for being among the first to be executed in the 1692 Salem witch trials; her newborn died during her confinement and her 4- or 5-year-old daughter, Dorcas, was also among the accused and imprisoned.
During the trials, the afflicted girls testified against Sarah Good, claiming that they were tormented by her spectral presence. They accused her of causing them pain, fits, and sometimes even appearing to them as an animal. This testimony, combined with the prevailing beliefs about witchcraft at the time, led to her arrest and eventual conviction. Sarah Good's defense during the trials was hindered by her lack of legal knowledge and her poverty. She struggled to articulate her innocence and was often confrontational with the judges and accusers, further reinforcing the negative image that had been painted of her. On June 29, 1692, Sarah Good, along with several other accused individuals, was taken to the gallows and hanged. It is believed that she maintained her innocence until the end, despite the overwhelming evidence against her. The Sarah Good witch trials serve as a reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria, the consequences of prejudice, and the injustices that can occur within a legal system. The trials highlighted the dark side of human nature and the vulnerability of marginalized individuals in society. Today, the Salem witch trials are remembered as a cautionary tale and a lesson in the importance of due process, fair trials, and the presumption of innocence. Efforts have been made to remember and honor the victims of the trials, including Sarah Good, and to ensure that such injustices are never repeated..
Reviews for "The Salem Witch Trials: A Closer Look at the Case of Sarah Good"
1. Emma - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Sarah Witch Trials". The storyline felt disjointed and lacked depth. It seemed like the characters were just going through the motions without any real development. The pacing was also off, with some scenes dragging on and others feeling rushed. I expected more from a witch trial story, but unfortunately, this film fell flat for me.
2. Mike - 1 star
I couldn't even make it through the first half of "Sarah Witch Trials". The acting was incredibly unconvincing, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The special effects were also quite cheesy and took away from any potential suspense. The whole film just felt like a low-budget production that was trying too hard to be something it wasn't. I would not recommend wasting your time on this one.
3. Olivia - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Sarah Witch Trials", but it failed to live up to my expectations. The storyline had potential, but the execution fell short. The pacing was inconsistent, leaving me bored during some parts and confused during others. The performances were mediocre at best, and the characters lacked depth. There were moments that could have been intense and gripping, but instead, they fell flat. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.
4. Adam - 2.5 stars
"Sarah Witch Trials" had an intriguing premise, but it failed to deliver on its potential. The storytelling was lacking, leaving too many loose ends and unanswered questions. The character development was minimal, making it difficult to connect with any of the individuals on screen. The film also suffered from poor editing, with choppy transitions and jarring cuts. While there were a few suspenseful moments, they were overshadowed by the overall lackluster execution. Unfortunately, this film did not live up to its promising premise.