Reis's micro history of the Salem witches adds some wonderful new insights into the sociology and cultural discourses of early American gender to our understanding of the end of witch-hunting. Of particular interest is her reading of Salem leaders' religious writings- especially sermons-- which act as indices of concepts such as responsibility, spiritual intelligence and moral strength. Reis shows that the differing aptitudes and moral capabilities of the genders impacted their direct relationship to both God and also their susceptibility to Satanic influences.
Reviews of Damned Women
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