The Allure of Salem

When considering what to write in this blog, I had more difficulty than for previous posts. For my tenth and final blog, I am going to reflect on five pieces of information that I have found interesting or relevant from the semester. Therefore, this blog is my final unprompted piece-- how, then, should I use it? What have I not yet taken time to consider or reflect on thoroughly? From my perspective, the most fitting topic for this ninth blog should be on Salem itself. Specifically, I want to reflect on the captivating, timeless allure of Salem. I do not believe that I have anything particularly novel to add to the discussion (as historians have examined and reflected upon this subject for years), but I nonetheless want to take more time myself to consider the reasons for its such enduring effect.

My gut reaction is that the atrocities committed at Salem account for its steady allure. Stories of a man being crushed by stones and women being hung at the gallows occupy a particular place in the memory. Needless to say, the reaction to atrocities is heightened when those against whom the atrocities were committed were actually innocent. However, I don't find this argument to be the most compelling. Atrocities have been committed against people since the beginning of human civilization. Even now, atrocities are being committed around the world, just like in Ukraine. Though these horrific accounts and events grip us, history (and personal experience) shows that the startled effect eventually wanes. If not, I would assume we would be less likely to repeat history... I think of Joseph Stalin's remark that "one death is a tragedy, one million a statistic." For some reason, the startling effect of horrors themselves eventually fades, as they are categorized as just another historical tragedy. However, as we have seen, Salem is not treated in the same way, leading me to believe that the atrocious nature of Salem is not itself the reason for its allure.

Secondly, I consider the mass hysteria that goes hand-in-hand with discussions and reflections on Salem. Though some authors, like that of A ____ Short Introduction, insist that hysteria is too loose of a term to describe the events at Salem, nearly every exposure I've had to the subject matter at least hints at (if not explicitly states) the presence of mass hysteria in the community. I personally agree that hysteria might be too general of a descriptor for the complex web of causal factors and events that more adequately explains the situation in Salem; nonetheless, it is almost inescapable to shake the visceral reaction that the events at Salem were hysteric. I think this component of the Trials touches at something more lasting within the human psyche: an incredulity, a wonder, a similar fascination to that which we experience when reading fairy tales or mythical novels (not to mention the fact that we are talking about witches!). It almost seems to be so ridiculous that it must certainly be untrue; yet, it is true. That almost jarring juxtaposition (in my opinion) must account for some of Salem's allure.

Finally, I think that Salem has such an enduring effect because of the numerous social, religious, and cultural factors that manifest in this one historic event. The Trials provide great grounds to discuss the role of women and children in this highly religious society. The Trials offer the opportunity to critique a highly religious sect of Christianity, exposing its shortcomings and unfathomable beliefs. The Trials take place during the context of colonization, serving as a dark stain in what can otherwise be an attempt at portraying glorious American history. The Trials involve discussions on criminal justice, capital punishment, torture, and persecution. The Trials grant us the ability to examine power imbalances, noting the ways in which young girls gained power and how power led to accusations against the most vulnerable. In this way, Salem is alluring and enduring because of the case study it affords on important social issues.

Overall, I'm not sure it would be wise or beneficial to try to neatly attribute specific weights to each of these three reasons (or the many more) for the allure of Salem. Instead, as we have discussed in class, much of what occurred at Salem is the result of a complex, nuanced system of factors and forces, including the three above. At any rate, the Salem Witch Trials has been and will continue to have a place in history and education. To some, the Trials even function as a climax in history: the perfect case study to mine and explore.