Boyer & Nissenbaum- Salem Possessed.  Prologue & Chs 1-5

 Answer three of the four questions.  Write one full page on each question.

Question # 1  Boyer & Nissenbaum

For this assignment, a) state as succinctly as possible (in two sentences) the main thesis or argument of the book, as given in Chs 1 - 5.  Be specific: Boyer & Nissenbaum believe they have discovered an illuminating pattern in the accusations in Salem Village.  b) What is this pattern and why do B & N think it explains the witchcraft accusations?  Identify three examples of documentary evidence that Boyer and Nissenbaum use to support their argument about this pattern.  c) Finally, examine the map on p. 34 --  what role does it play in their argument? Does the map prove their argument or merely illustrate it -- explain.

Question # 2  Boyer & Nissenbaum

Does Salem Possessed try to explain the witch trials,  as a fundamentally religious episode or a socio-economic one?  If the latter, how can it help us understand the Puritans, who were motivated by religious beliefs?  What do B & N appear to assume about the relationship between the religious and socio-economic? Explain.
 

Question # 3  The Puritan Family

 Drawing upon Morgan's classic book, The Puritan Family, explain the following:
 

1)"Why only a few people were actually admitted as  full members of the church, yet everyone attended church and was responsible to God."

2) Why "social conduct was the result of salvation, not the cause of it," that is, why an individual's good deeds did not count for anything with God, yet Puritans were ceaselessly told to act morally.

Question #4 The Puritan Family

Drawing upon The Puritan Family, explain the following

1) Why Puritans believed that God was always punishing or rewarding them for their good or bad deeds in this world by sending disasters or good fortune, Indian attacks or good harvests.

2) Explain the Puritan idea of the "covenant with God." What was the covenant based on?