The Examination of Sarah GoodStudent Resource This lesson provides you the opportunity to examine and work with an historic, legal document. In addition, you will gain exposure to the archaic spelling, word usage, and sentence structure of that time. ASSIGNMENT: 1. Begin this lesson by looking over the information on loaded language and bias in writing (below). 2.Read the summary and transcript excerpt from the Salem Witch Trials. Understand that, just like in present day, the courts in 1692 were supposed to consider that all people who were accused of a crime were innocent until proven guilty. Find examples in the transcripts of loaded language and bias. 3.Write a letter to the panel of judges asking for a new trial for Sarah Good. In the letter, provide at least three reasons for the judges to grant Ms. Good a new trial. These reasons should demonstrate that Sarah Good did not receive a fair trial. You can use the behavior of the girls in the courtroom, the behavior of the judges, and the behavior of her husband to strengthen your case. The letter should include specific quotes from the transcript. LOADED LANGUAGE AND BIAS IN WRITING: Loaded words have to do with connotation and are words that evoke an extra power of emotion, either positive or negative. Examples of sentences with and withoutloaded words:- This was an exciting day!- This was a stellar day!- He considered his trek to the top of the mountain an experience that changed him.- For him, his quest that took him to the mountain top was an epiphany. Characteristics of loaded words:- They often express a person’s bias.- They often contain hyperbole - to get attention or to make a point- They often are used in propaganda- Their intent is to influence othersTEXTS: The Examination of Sarah GoodEzekiel CheeverSummary Salem Village, March the 1st, 1691–92.Sarah Good, the wife of William Good of Salem Village, Laborer. Brought before us by George Locker, Constable in Salem, to Answer, Joseph Hutchinson, Thomas Putnam, etc., of Salem Village, yeomen (Complainants on behalf of their Majesties) against said Sarah Good for Suspicion of witchcraft by her Committed and thereby much Injury done to the Bodies of Copyright © Acellus Corporation. All Rights Reserved. www. acellus. com
The Examination of Sarah GoodStudent Resource Elizabeth Parris, Abigail Williams, Ann Putnam, and Elizabeth Hubbard, all of Salem Village aforesaid according to their Complaints as per warrants. Sarah Good upon Examination denieth the matter of fact (viz.) that she ever used any witchcraft or hurt the above said children or any of them. The above-named Children being all present positively accused her of hurting of them Sundry times with this two months and also that morning. Sarah Good denied that she had been at their houses in said time or near them, or had done them any hurt. All the above said children then present accused her face to face, upon which they were all dreadfully tortured and tormented for a short space of time, and the affliction and tortures being over, they charged said Sarah Good again that she had then so tortured them, and came to them and did it, although she was personally then kept at a Considerable distance from them. Sarah Good being Asked if, that she did not then hurt them who did it. And the children being again tortured, she looked upon them And said that it was one of them we brought into the house with us. We Asked her who it was: She then Answered and said it was Sarah Osborne, and Sarah Osborne was then under Custody and not in the house; And the children being quickly after recovered out of their fit said that it was Sarah Good and also Sarah Osborne that then did hurt & torment or afflict them—although both of them at the same time at a distance or Remote from them personally— there were also sundry other Questions put to her and Answers given thereunto by her according as is also given in. THE EXAMINATION OF SARAH GOOD(Excerpts from trial of March 1, 1692)The examination of Sarah Good before the worshipfull Assts John Harthorn Jonathan Curren (H) Sarah Good what evil spirit have you familiarity with (SG) none (H) have you made no contract with the devil, (SG) good answered no (H) why doe you hurt these children (SG I doe not hurt them. I scorn it. (H) who doe you imploy then to doe it (SG) no creature but I am falsely accused Copyright © Acellus Corporation. All Rights Reserved. www. acellus. com