Reference no: EM133246703
Read The Persecution of Witches: "The Trail of Suzanne Gaudry" and "The Witch of Newberry" p. 291-298 in Sources of Making of the West
1. Consider the depiction of the "Witch of Newberry" presented on the pamphlet. What does this image reveal about 17th century beliefs about witches, who they were and what they did? Why do you think the purpose was of this publication?
2. Who was Suzanne Gaudry? Given patterns associated with the persecution of witches, how might her background and identity have factored into accusations against her?
3. What specific actions was Suzanne Gaudry accused of? What do these actions reveal about how people in the 17th century understood what comprised witchcraft?
3. Describe the legal process as it is revealed over the course of the trial. What methods did they use to determine her guilt? Consider the form of questioning employed. How might this approach explain similarities in confessions among the accused across W. Europe?
4. How does her confession change between the second and third interrogations? Why does it change? How does the court respond to this change? Given the inconsistencies in her confessions, how do they determine whether she is innocent or guilty?
5. The persecution of witchcraft coincides with the Scientific Revolution. Do you believe the methods employed in the trial of Gaudry were consistent with the scientific method and the importance of empirical proof or a dramatic departure from them?