Instruction
Using only the primary source document reader The Salem Witch Hunt, write an essay of approximately 800-1100 words (about 3 pages) that explains what kinds of characteristics or actions might lead someone to be more vulnerable of being accused of being a witch? What stands out about many of the accused – were they just “ordinary” people or did they often differ from many of their peers?
Your essay is due on Canvas at 5 PM on Sunday, February 14.
Imagine yourself as a judge asked to investigate these questions following the events. The only evidence at your disposal are the primary sources provided in the book. You are not expected to reference all of the sources, but must choose the most relevant ones to form an argument that addresses these questions. My suggestion is to include at least 5 of those sources in your essay. BUT, make sure that you’re using the sources you choose in a substantive way to advance your argument.
Your essay should be typed, double-spaced, well-written (and proofread). You should aim to provide only the background material necessary to make your argument. Your focus should be on making a clear argument (made clear by the introduction of a thesis statement in your essay) and providing ample evidence in support of that essay. You should provide a works cited page that provides a full citation of the required book, and you should give parenthetical citations any time you draw from any part of the book. This includes quotations, but citations should also be provided any time you are influenced by something stated in the book (or its readings) as well. Your citations should be included at the end of a sentence or section/paragraph where you are drawing from the book and should look like the following: (Godbeer, page number), as in (Godbeer, 27) for page 27.