Module 2: American Literature I Review

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing Mary Towne Easty, Samuel Sewall, Cotton Mather, Jonathan Edwards, and Benjamin Franklin.

Mary Towne Easty

A Salem Village woman (1634–1692) accused of witchcraft and hanged at Proctor's Ledge on September 22, 1692, who maintained her innocence and pleaded to the court not to execute any more innocent people.

The Petition of Mary Easty

A post-conviction plea written to the magistrates and ministers in Salem in which Easty asserted her innocence, stated that those who confessed lied, and begged that no more innocent blood be shed.

The Salem Witch Trials

The Salem Witch Trials began after several girls began behaving strangely and experiencing things such as fits, convulsions, choking, and hallucinations. The trials were influenced by religious intolerance, family conflicts, property disputes, economic competition, and fear of outspoken or strong women. About 200 people were accused, 19 were hanged, and Giles Corey was pressed to death.

Samuel Sewall

A Harvard-educated judge, Boston businessman, and official printer (1652–1730) who served on the Court of Oyer and Terminer and was the only Salem witch trial judge to publicly confess his guilt and seek forgiveness.

Court of Oyer and Terminer

The judicial commission appointed by Governor Sir William Phips in 1692 specifically to 'hear and determine' trials of accused witches in Salem Village.

Cotton Mather

A politically influential Boston minister (1663–1728) and prolific author who documented the Salem Witch Trials and served at Second Church.

The Wonders of the Invisible World

A 1693 work by Cotton Mather presenting detailed accounts of six witchcraft trials, defending the proceedings as protection against Satan, and warning against spectral evidence. Martha Carrier was one of the most notable figures discussed, as she was accused of witchcraft and ultimately executed, symbolizing the hysteria of the trials.

Jonathan Edwards

A Northampton pastor and scholar (1703–1758) described as the last great defender of Puritan idealism, known for initiating the Great Awakening and serving as president of the College of New Jersey.

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

A famous 1741 sermon delivered by Jonathan Edwards at Enfield, Connecticut, warning unrepentant listeners of divine wrath and emphasizing human dependence on God's mercy.

Half-Way Covenant

A colonial church compromise opposed by Jonathan Edwards that permitted the baptism of children whose parents were unconverted church members.

Deism

An Enlightenment belief system rooted in reason, asserting that God created the universe and set it in motion but does not intervene directly in human affairs.

Silence Dogood

A pen name used by 16-year-old Benjamin Franklin to anonymously write and submit satirical letters to his brother's newspaper, The New England Courant.

Junto

A Friday evening self-improvement club organized in Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin and his colleagues.

Poor Richard's Almanack

An annual publication produced by Benjamin Franklin under the pseudonym Richard Saunders, featuring weather forecasts, proverbs, humor, and practical wisdom.

Franklin's 13 Virtues

A structured system of moral self-improvement pursued by Benjamin Franklin, encompassing temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility.

The Speech of Miss Polly Baker

A satirical courtroom defense written by Benjamin Franklin in which a woman on trial for her fifth illegitimate child challenges male legal double standards and cites the command to increase and multiply.

The Way to Wealth

An essay written by Benjamin Franklin as the preface to the 25th anniversary issue of Poor Richard's Almanack, presenting advice on thrift and diligence through Father Abraham.

Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America

An essay by Benjamin Franklin that uses satire to contrast the hospitality and politeness of Native Americans with the prejudices and injustices of white settlers.

Errata

The term used by Benjamin Franklin in his autobiography to denote his life mistakes, bad decisions, or moral regrets.

Spectral Evidence

A controversial category of testimony used in the Salem Witch Trials where victims claimed to be harmed or haunted by the invisible spirit or apparition of an accused person.

What was the Great Awakening?

The Great Awakening was a major religious revival in colonial America that encouraged people to have a more personal and emotional religious experience. Jonathan Edwards was one of the important figures associated with it, and his sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” emphasized God’s power, human helplessness, and the danger of hell.