Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this narrative.
What effect does word choice have on the meaning of this excerpt from Benjamin Franklin's "A Witch Trial at Mount Holly"?
But it being the general Belief of the Populace that the Women’s shifts and the Garters with which they were bound help’d to support them, it is said they are to be tried again the next warm Weather, naked.
Responses
The phrase "the general Belief of the Populace" makes the citizens sound reasonable.
The phrase "the general Belief of the Populace" makes the citizens sound reasonable.
The phrase "the next warm Weather, naked" adds humor.
The phrase "the next warm Weather, naked" adds humor.
The phrase "help'd to support them" makes the situation of the accused sound more hopeful.
The phrase "help'd to support them" makes the situation of the accused sound more hopeful.
The phrase "they are to be tried again" creates a mood of anger.