A Shaming Ritual Targeting the Great Traitor In late 1780, Philadelphians staged a ritual humiliation of Benedict Arnold, represented by a two-faced effigy. Behind him stands the devil, prodding him with a pitchfork and shaking a bag of coins near his ear, reminding all that Arnold sold out for money. To the beat of a fife and drums, soldiers and onlookers march to a bonfire, where the effigy was burned to ashes. Library of Congress.