In the Salem witch trials, the court relied on testimonies from witnesses who claimed to have seen Goody Osburn involved in suspicious activities, such as practicing witchcraft or consorting with the devil. Additionally, the court may have used spectral evidence, in which the accusers claimed to have been afflicted by Osburn's spirit in some way. These testimonies, along with Osburn's reputation and behavior, were used as proof of her being a witch.
Ann Putnam finds it difficult to believe that Goody Osburn is a witch because Goody Osburn is a respected member of their community and an upstanding church member. Ann is struggling with conflicting feelings of fear and loyalty, making it hard for her to accept this accusation.
Mary Warren believes that Goody Osburn is a witch because she has been influenced by the prevailing fear and hysteria surrounding witchcraft in Salem. As a member of the court, Mary has witnessed the accusations and the power they hold, leading her to align with the group of girls making the claims. Additionally, her own insecurities and desire for acceptance drive her to participate in the witch hunt, further solidifying her belief in Goody Osburn's guilt. Ultimately, the societal pressure and fear of retribution cloud her judgment.
Because Osburn was the midwife when three of Putnam's children died. Putnam is so crazed with grief, and she blames herself for her childrens death, so she leaps upon any excuse to believe that an outside force took away her children. end of Act One: Mrs Putnam: I knew it! Goody Osburn were midwife to me three times. I begged you, Thomas, did I not? I begged him not to call Osburn because I feared her. My babies always shriveled in her hands!
It is assumed today by historians that the Putnams had vendettas against several families in the community for one reason or another. Mrs. Putnam was trying to get a quick conviction for Goody Osborne for personal resentments.
Sarah Osburn and Sarah Good
In Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," Tituba, a slave from Barbados, initially accuses several women of being witches to save herself from punishment. She specifically names Sarah Good and Goody Osburn, claiming they are responsible for the supernatural happenings in Salem. Her accusations contribute to the mass hysteria and witch trials that ensue, reflecting her desperation and the chaotic environment of the time.
"Goody" was short for "Goodwife", a form of address for women at the time in puritan society
In Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," Tituba claims to have seen several people with the Devil. Specifically, she mentions seeing a number of townspeople, including Goody Osburn and Sarah Good, in the company of the Devil. Her confessions play a crucial role in escalating the witch trials in Salem.
In Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," Tituba names several individuals as being in league with the devil, including Sarah Good and Goody Osburn. These accusations are part of her attempt to deflect blame from herself and to save her own life amidst the Salem witch trials. Her confessions ignite a wave of hysteria and further accusations in the community.
Eunice "Goody" cole was the only convicted witch in New Hampshire. She was conviced in 1656 and put into Hampon Jail. The legend is called The Witch of Hampton.
Governer Phips was involved in the witch trials by establishing the court, over ruling the court, and then disbanding the court.
It is assumed today by historians that the Putnams had vendettas against several families in the community for one reason or another. Mrs. Putnam was trying to get a quick conviction for Goody Osborne for personal resentments.