they ware all dredfully tortred & tormented for a short space of tyme
Describes fits and afflictions of the children. Reflects the belief that witches could harm others through supernatural means. Their suffering increases suspicion and legitimizes the accusations.
The above named Children being all present positively accused her of hurting of them
Children accuse her directly. Fear and community pressure turn children into key witnesses, making denial almost impossible.
Sarah Good being Asked if that she did not then hurt them; who did it, And the children being againe tortered, she looked upon them
The children’s fits continue even when she is not near them, suggesting spectral influence.
Describes fits and afflictions of the children. Reflects belief in supernatural influence.
I am blind now I cannot see
Tituba ends her testimony, emphasizing the subjective nature of spectral evidence. Much of her story is shaped by what she believes will protect her.
sometimes it is like a hog and some times like a great dog
Shape-shifting apparitions reflect Puritan ideas of familiars and evil spirits. Suggests how imagination and fear were intertwined.
Abig: Hobbs in prison affirmed that Geo: Burroughs in his Shape appeared to her, & urged [her to set] hand to the Book
Burroughs supposedly appeared in spirit and made her sign a book. Demonstrates belief in invisible influence of the accused.
Sus: sheldon testifyed that Burroughs two wives appeared in their winding sheets,
Spectral evidence: some witnesses claim Burroughs is linked to the dead through supernatural phenomena. They said that Burroughs’ dead wives appeared.