4. In his critique of the witch trials, Robert Calef refers to witnesses such as Peache, Kembal, and Ring, saying, “The accusations of these, from their spectral sight, being the chief evidence against those that suffered; in which accusations they were upheld by both magistrates and ministers, so long as they apprehended themselves in no danger.” Which of the following restates Calef’s critique?
Correct. The answer is B. Calef is critical of the witnesses’ testimony because it all relies on “spectral” evidence that involves magical visions and comes from their own minds. He is critical of the ministers and magistrates because they chose, in the absence of any public challenges to their authority, to accept the witnesses’ spectral accounts as truth. He is critical of other Puritans for failing to speak out against the fantastic testimony that, in turn, led to the deaths of many innocent people.
Incorrect. The correct answer is B. Calef is critical of the witnesses’ testimony because it all relies on “spectral” evidence that involves magical visions and comes from their own minds. He is critical of the ministers and magistrates because they chose, in the absence of any public challenges to their authority, to accept the witnesses’ spectral accounts as truth. He is critical of other Puritans for failing to speak out against the fantastic testimony that, in turn, led to the deaths of many innocent people.