In her analysis of the cultural construction of gender in early America; Elizabeth Reis explores the intersection of Puritan theology; Puritan evaluations of womanhood; and the Salem witchcraft episodes. She finds in those intersections the basis for understanding why women were accused of witchcraft more often than men; why they confessed more often; and why they frequently accused other women of being witches. In negotiating their beliefs about the devil's powers; both women and men embedded womanhood in the discourse of depravity.Puritan ministers insisted that women and men were equal in the sight of God; with both sexes equally capable of cleaving to Christ or to the devil. Nevertheless; Reis explains; womanhood and evil were inextricably linked in the minds and hearts of seventeenth-century New England Puritans. Women and men feared hell equally but Puritan culture encouraged women to believe it was their vile natures that would take them there rather than the particular sins they might have committed.Following the Salem witchcraft trials; Reis argues; Puritans' understanding of sin and the devil changed. Ministers and laity conceived of a Satan who tempted sinners and presided physically over hell; rather than one who possessed souls in the living world. Women and men became increasingly confident of their redemption; although women more than men continued to imagine themselves as essentially corrupt; even after the Great Awakening.
#1410126 in Books Cornell University Press 2011-02-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x .90 x 6.10l; .95 #File Name: 0801477352328 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Difficult rating this book for reasons noted below...By Patrick GarnerRobert Parker walks an uneven line with this book. Sometimes he's pitching to his academic cohorts and sometimes to lay people; while leaning predominately towards his university colleagues. The tone is that of persuasion; caution and hedging. Consequently; the text is heavily footnoted; often without context and/or obscurely.On a positive note; Parker discusses contemporary thought and highlights recent archeological findings to bolster his discussion. Yet; he leaves me repeatedly uneasy when he clearly interprets Greek religious worship using contemporary values. On several occasions contemporary Christianity is overtly used as a measure of the primitiveness of certain Greek practices. To my constant annoyance; Parker tends on a regular basis in this book to judge archaic Greek worship using descriptors that reflect his personal bias.Why was I disturbed by this approach? I expect objective information from an academic. I do not expect a seasoned professor to apply contemporary mores to weigh/interpret the merits of a 2500 year old culture that even Parker admits lies in distant obscurity. The classic Greek world will always be buried somewhat in a maddening impenetrability. Regardless; Parker's willingness to judge the merit of archaic Greek belief weakens the book--and his conclusions suffer in the process.This aside; much of the information is fresh and comprehensive. Parker arranges his subject headings skillfully. I read the book thoroughly; and then reread sections a second time before deciding to write this review.So... in sum the book is worthwhile but could have been far finer if the author had avoided conclusions colored by our own cultural values. That approach is always slippery. Values constantly change. When they are applied to a long lost culture that we will never fully understand--as they are in this case--such impositions undercut any subsequent analysis.Would I buy this book again? Yes; as much of the discussion covers areas that are relatively new. Parker himself is an interesting guide once you know with whom you journey.0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Nicholas MolinariHighly recommended.0 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Great read...By Hector M. LugoInteresting insights into a people who not only founded western civilization; but continue to play a part to this day.
