Overview
This lecture covers the life of Sarah Good and her role in the Salem Witch Trials, highlighting her background, trial, execution, and the cultural portrayal of accused witches.
Sarah Good's Background
- Sarah Good was born in 1653 to a once-wealthy family but was left nearly penniless due to legal disputes.
- Her first husband, Daniel Poole, died in debt; her second marriage to William Good was also marked by poverty.
- The Good family became homeless beggars, viewed as a nuisance and social outcasts in Salem Village.
Accusation and Arrest
- Sarah Good was one of the first three women accused of witchcraft on February 29, 1692.
- She was initially accused of afflicting children Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, later facing more accusations.
- Good was targeted partly due to her marginal social status and unpopularity.
The Trial and Testimonies
- Good was the first to testify during the witch trials, possibly to remove an unwanted person from Salem.
- Her husband suggested she was close to being a witch; her own daughter Dorcas was coerced into testifying against her.
- Good consistently denied all accusations and never confessed to witchcraft.
- Good accused Sarah Osborne during the trial, legitimizing the proceedings in the eyes of many.
Verdict, Execution, and Aftermath
- Despite a lack of evidence, Good was condemned to death and hanged on July 19, 1692, after giving birth in prison.
- Her six-year-old daughter Dorcas was also imprisoned and left psychologically damaged.
- Good's refusal to confess, even at the gallows, was pivotal in her execution.
Literary and Cultural Portrayal
- Sarah Good is often depicted as an elderly hag, despite being about 39 and pregnant with a young daughter.
- Stereotypes of witches influenced how Good was described during and after the trials.
- Historians agree the trials were unfair, with little evidence and presumption of guilt.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Spectral Evidence — Testimony that the spirit or specter of the accused harmed the victim, even if the accused was physically elsewhere.
- Marginalized — Socially excluded or placed on the fringes of society.
- Witchcraft — The practice of supposed magical skills, often used as grounds for accusations during the Salem Witch Trials.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review major events and individuals in the Salem Witch Trials.
- Reflect on the impact of social status and stereotypes in historical accusations.
- Read assigned sections from course bibliography for deeper understanding.