Social Studies Poetry: Wicked Girls: A novel of the Salem Witch Trials by Stephanie Hemphill
BIBLIOGRAPHY: Hemphill, S., Nielsen, S., Friedman, M., Ciulla, C., & Caruso, B. (2011). Wicked girls a novel of the Salem witch trials. Solon, OH: Playaway Digital Audio. ISBN:9780061853296
SUMMARY: A fictionalized account, told in verse, of the Salem witch trials, told from the perspective of three young women living in Salem in 1692: Mercy Lewis, Margaret Walcott, and Ann Putnam, Jr. Ann Putnam Jr. is the queen bee. When her father suggests a spate of illnesses in the village is the result of witchcraft, she puts in motion a chain of events that will change Salem forever. Mercy Lewis is the beautiful servant in Ann's house who inspires adulation in some and envy in others. With her troubled past, she seizes her only chance at safety. Margaret Walcott, Ann's cousin, is desperately in love. She is torn between staying loyal to her friends and pursuing a life with her betrothed.
ANALYSIS: Hemphill plumbs the psychological underpinnings of the Salem witch trials in blank verse monologues from three of the main accusers. Two girls, eight and 12, fall violently ill, having seizures and singling out neighbors as witches. Seeing the weight the girls' accusations are given ("All that Betty and Abigail say in fit is listened to like it comes from the town council"), Ann, Mercy, and Margaret snatch the opportunity to join in and move to positions of influence as well, targeting those who have harmed them or their families. Neighbors are jailed and even executed based on the girls' testimony, and even as wiser heads question their credibility, the girls turn on each other, fueled by jealousy, peer pressure, blackmail, and the desire to dominate the group. Even those familiar with the historical events will savor the exploration of the underlying motivations, as Hemphill breathes life into those long dead and holds a mirror up to contemporary society. The expressive writing, masterful tension, and parallels to modern group dynamics create a powerful and relevant page-turner. The Salem witch trials are an intriguing subject for many readers and they continue to stimulate the emotions and imagination of the audience. The theme of jealousy, abuse, and peer pressure are ones in which readers can relate to in their life today, as well as to mob mentality and modern-day gangs.
USE: One of the poems from the book show a highlight of the analysis is A Girl or a Wife? "Margaret, be you part of the group?” Ann looks on me like I be a traitor(197) Poetry Breaks Introduction: As this is a historical fiction novel for young adults, introduce it by playing a quick game of hangman with the class featuring the word “witchcraft.” Follow up the game of hangman by showing this short video featured on the History Channel: http://www.history.com/videos/salem-witch-trials#salem-witch-trials Extension Activity: Display a photo of a hangman’s noose as you read the spotlight verse aloud. After reading the novel, young adult students may be interested in doing research on the Salem witch trials.
SUMMARY: A fictionalized account, told in verse, of the Salem witch trials, told from the perspective of three young women living in Salem in 1692: Mercy Lewis, Margaret Walcott, and Ann Putnam, Jr. Ann Putnam Jr. is the queen bee. When her father suggests a spate of illnesses in the village is the result of witchcraft, she puts in motion a chain of events that will change Salem forever. Mercy Lewis is the beautiful servant in Ann's house who inspires adulation in some and envy in others. With her troubled past, she seizes her only chance at safety. Margaret Walcott, Ann's cousin, is desperately in love. She is torn between staying loyal to her friends and pursuing a life with her betrothed.
ANALYSIS: Hemphill plumbs the psychological underpinnings of the Salem witch trials in blank verse monologues from three of the main accusers. Two girls, eight and 12, fall violently ill, having seizures and singling out neighbors as witches. Seeing the weight the girls' accusations are given ("All that Betty and Abigail say in fit is listened to like it comes from the town council"), Ann, Mercy, and Margaret snatch the opportunity to join in and move to positions of influence as well, targeting those who have harmed them or their families. Neighbors are jailed and even executed based on the girls' testimony, and even as wiser heads question their credibility, the girls turn on each other, fueled by jealousy, peer pressure, blackmail, and the desire to dominate the group. Even those familiar with the historical events will savor the exploration of the underlying motivations, as Hemphill breathes life into those long dead and holds a mirror up to contemporary society. The expressive writing, masterful tension, and parallels to modern group dynamics create a powerful and relevant page-turner. The Salem witch trials are an intriguing subject for many readers and they continue to stimulate the emotions and imagination of the audience. The theme of jealousy, abuse, and peer pressure are ones in which readers can relate to in their life today, as well as to mob mentality and modern-day gangs.
USE: One of the poems from the book show a highlight of the analysis is A Girl or a Wife? "Margaret, be you part of the group?” Ann looks on me like I be a traitor(197) Poetry Breaks Introduction: As this is a historical fiction novel for young adults, introduce it by playing a quick game of hangman with the class featuring the word “witchcraft.” Follow up the game of hangman by showing this short video featured on the History Channel: http://www.history.com/videos/salem-witch-trials#salem-witch-trials Extension Activity: Display a photo of a hangman’s noose as you read the spotlight verse aloud. After reading the novel, young adult students may be interested in doing research on the Salem witch trials.
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