Analytical Book Review: 'Damned Women' by Elizabeth Reis

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Christian's views. The Salem trials as presented by Reis, however, raise the question on the reasons why women were convicted of witchcraft. Another question that arises is the reason why many women made the most confessions. However, one cannot overlook the significance of the book because it gives the accounts that led to the views of Christians today. The author tries to stay focused and true to her message throughout the book. She uses a first-hand account of the people who were present at the time. The arrangement of the book allows readers to stay focused on the issue being presented by Reis.

Elizabeth Reis' book highlights events that took place during the 17[th] century and part of the 18[th] century. The two periods offer an insight into the changing perception of the people about Satan. Reis goes further into explaining the role that women played during those trials. She gives an account of evidences from the women as well as the males, magistrates and the clergy ...

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the people at that time was that strong bodies protected the soul well than weak bodies. This made men spiritually strong compared to women, and this is evident from Reis' saying, "The representation of the soul in terms of worldly notions of gender and the understanding of women in terms of the characteristics of the feminine soul, led by circular reasoning to the conclusion that women were more likely than men to submit to Satan (56)." Reis tries to show how women are unfulfilling and weak, and by doing so, she generalizes the views of the whole society. Generalizing has a negative impact since not all women felt inadequate. This shows that Reis was speculating those facts. However, ...

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