Salem is a name that almost always draws attention. It’s not because of a good reputation. The Salem Witch trials are associated with a chaotic and out-of-control environment. The Crucible is an adaptation of Arthur Miller’s well-known play, and has been a source for many people. Both the play, and later the movie, were incredibly dramatic but only partially historically accurate. They lacked the necessary substance to really understand the reasons or circumstances that led to such a devastating event as the Witch Trials. It can be difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction when there are so many mythicized perspectives and events. The Salem Witch trials are best described in a non-dramatized way. Salem Possessed is an excellent example of a book with a historical approach that accurately portrays the Salem Witch Trials.
Boyer, Nissenbaum and others have done extensive research on the events leading up to the witchcraft hysteria, instead of focusing only on what is obvious. The first chapter of their book, which was not organized chronologically, is entitled “1692 New perspectives”, setting the tone for a book that has a rare perspective. The authors explain the events of 1692 in Salem with meticulous detail. Although the book may overwhelm some with its minute details and names, it is worth reading for anyone who has a genuine interest in Salem.
The authors explain their motivations for writing the book in a preface before delving into Salem’s history. Boyer & Nissenbaum were inspired to research Salem by a college class. They found a lot of unpublished documentation. After that, the writers question how much research has been done (or not) about Salem. Boyer Nissenbaum explain how they plan to use their newly found documents to shed light on the extraordinary events that took place in Salem. Boyer & Nissenbaum’s unique beginning to a work of scholarship is enough to entice readers.
Boyer Nissenbaum and Boyer can rely on these documents that have not been studied to create an argument focusing on the background, rather than just the witch trial itself. Using maps and demographics, the authors assess parts of Salem you might not think of when you imagine the town. Boyer & Nissenbaum, based on their geographical observations, notice a fascinating trend of where accusers, accused Witches, defenders and accused lived in Salem. The majority lived in east section of village. It is surprising how trivial things like geography can become important. This newfound pattern makes the writers consider the village’s social background. Boyer’s and Nissenbaum’s new perspective on Salem is based on two maps. Boyer, Nissenbaum and their team have two new perspectives that are very persuasive in revealing the history Salem. The village was further investigated to reveal the deep and complex relationship between the Porters and Putnams. Salem 1692 was a social hub with two prominent families. This created a lot of tension within the village. Initially amicable, they have gradually become more distant. Thomas Putnam gets carried away by his jealousy that his younger sister Joseph marries a Porter. This leads to chaos between the Putnams, Porters, and Putnams. Boyer, Nissenbaum and their characters realize the significance of these families for the entire village. They concentrate on the dynamics in this relationship which could very well have been the major cause of witchcraft hysteria. Many readers will be able to relate with their own internal conflicts, even if they are not as large or destructive. Further, historical evidences like the dispute between the two families provide a more convincing explanation of how the hysteria spread so quickly. The audience may not be convinced by this evidence because they don’t know what other towns and cities were involved. Boyer & Nissenbaum concentrate on the fight that happened between two families from Salem. Porter-Putnam’s story is a plausible origin for the witchcraft panic, but it does not provide a good explanation as to how the panic spread across Massachusetts.
The writers’ church records on membership and wealth were very interesting. In charts three and 4, the authors examine the number of villager pro-Parris church members as well their tax payments. On closer inspection, the data shows that a large number of poor villagers were supporting Parris. Parris was believed by many to be a main cause behind the witch trial. Parris received support from Putnams as well, the family that was accused of witchcraft most often. Parris played a major role, along with his followers in Salem’s escalation of accusations. This is something that many readers are already aware of. Boyer Nissenbaum has included tax lists as well as church records in this book. Boyer & Nissenbaum once again offer new insights. This list allows the audience members to witness the intriguing but unsettling evidence that may very well have contributed to the spreading of the witch-hunts.
Boyer & Nissenbaum’s analysis reveals aspects never before considered. The demographics, political factors, geography of Salem, and the effects on the community are just a few examples. When combined, these seemingly insignificant pieces of information are shocking. Boyer, Nissenbaum, and the other writers leave no option but to believe that maybe witchcraft didn’t have much of an impact. Instead, the people from Salem were more responsible, because of all their differences and beliefs. There are many questions that remain unanswered, such as how other towns contributed to the confusion. However, the authors present an intriguing argument. This book does not focus on the accused, or the drama, they create in Salem. It takes a more historical approach. Boyer & Nissenbaum examine the reactions of adults to the events and the way they interpreted them. Boyer & Nissenbaum present the witchcraft panic in a non-dramatic way from beginning to end. The evidence they provide forces readers to see Salem in a different light. They provide a fresh perspective on Salem.
