GCSE English Speaking - Witch Trials - Flashcards in GCSE English

Created by: psych0p4th
Created on: 05-06-22 22:17

‘The views on the Witch Trials have changed drastically over time

December 1591 and Geillis Duncan is a witch
Her job - maidservant, mid-teens
Belief stemmed from employer
Possesed a talent for healing and soothing pain
Left house during the night
Tortured
Devils Mark
Confessed, accused 60 other women too
Executed

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Our first reaction to this story is that it is inhuman and brutal - but how have these views changed over time?

Witch Trials weren't always a bad thing
Macbeth
Recent comedic sketches and apology
challenge more common modern-day attitudes to any of the witch trials across the globe.

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Point 1 - Macbeth and the Elizabethan Era

1550s-1780s - witch trials in Europe
12,000 people killed
North Berwick Witch Trials - 1590-1592
James VI - Dangerous boat journey caused by storms - witches - chaotic, against natural order
Based on Macbeth - plot
Shakespeare's respect - King's book
Eliz

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Point 2 - Nicola Sturgeon Apology

Modern days different to Elizabethan Era.
Infamous, torturous, stealing lives of innocents
Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister of Scotland,
Witchcraft act of 1563
Didn’t address the brutalities as much
Sexism - "Driven by hatred of women"
Stereotypical

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Point 3 - Sketches

Less serious
Baroness von Sketch Show
Salem witch trials
Ridiculous
"I wish there were more comedic critiques of that whole period with the witches' trials. Unbelievable period in history."
Should people find it funny?

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Counter argument - Views have stayed the same and caused hurt and fear

Conclusion
Attitude has changed along with beliefs and religion
Religious motives for witch trials are not as common anymore
People are recognizing sexism
Can be funny

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Witch Trials weren't always a bad thing
Macbeth
Recent comedic sketches and apology
challenge more common modern-day attitudes to any of the witch trials across the globe.

Back

Our first reaction to this story is that it is inhuman and brutal - but how have these views changed over time?

Card 3

Front

Back

Card 4

Front

Back

Card 5

Front

Back

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GCSE English Speaking - Witch Trials