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CURRENT EVENT | October 31, 2014

History of Witches

When we imagine a witch today, we think about a halloween costume with a pointy black hat, warts and a broom. This public radio story takes us back to a darker period in colonial America, when people believed that witches lived among them unnoticed. At this time, accusations of being a witch led to the Salem witch trials and the execution of more than a dozen women. We hear from an author who recently compiled a book about the reality behind these accusations of witchery, and what they say about society and stereotypes.

Story Length: 5:51

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SOURCE:

National Public Radio © 2014 National Public Radio, Inc. Used with the permission of NPR. All rights reserved.

10/26/2014


Listening Comprehension Questions

  • What drew the author to the topic of the Salem witch trials?
  • When and where did the witch trials occur?
  • Why were witches only women? What stereotypes supported this fact?
  • Describe the kind of woman who was accused of being a witch.
  • How does witchcraft resonate today?

Classroom Discussion Themes

  • How can stereotyping groups of people lead to negative outcomes?
  • What do the witch trials teach us about the potential to use official power to scapegoat marginalized groups?