Sources and Inspiration

           This script was designed to reflect the typical procedure surrounding a witch trial in the early modern period. I wanted the script to focus on the reasons one would be accused of witchcraft and how the technology of the period shaped the trial process. My strongest source was the Malleus Malificarum, also known as the Witches Hammer, by Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger. This is an extraordinary primary source that details, step by step, how to properly interrogate an accused witch, and how to justly prosecute if needed. The text leaves little room for interpretation or unique choices in prosecution as it diligently details how one must proceed when confronted with seemingly every conceivable variable; including unreliable witnesses, a change in the accused’s plea or if the accused has fled from the law. Further, the reading demonstrates essential components to a witch trial that are essential to incorporate in my script, such as: order of questioning, methods of interrogation and the influence of witnesses. Not only was I able to utilize the details therein to create a realistic procedural story, but the book also helped me recollect the atmosphere of the time. The Malleus Malificarum also plays a physical role in my story; the book is an important print that is more than just a primary source, but a prominent development that stemmed from the revolution of technology. It is a development that didn’t just influence the trials, it defined them. The mass publication, vernacular language, and historical importance made this book unavoidable in a witch trial, and therefore, unavoidable to include in my script. For further evidence to support my portrayal of these trials, I read through the transcript of the trial of Suzanne Gaudry. This was another primary source that helped define a typical witch case.

           While Malleus Malificarum was essential reading to understand the process of a trial, the trial of Suzanne Gaudry explores a deeper analysis of the emotions and the characteristics of those involved. I read this text twice, each time utilizing the perspective of a different party. It was difficult forcing myself to sympathize with both parties but it was important to do so as I didn’t want to make obvious my bias in these trials. When it came to understanding the contents and impact of witch pamphlets and the power of mass publication, I read the text Publishing for the Masses: Early Modern English Witchcraft Pamphlets by Carla Suhr. This reading chronicles the history, content and impact of early modern period witch pamphlets. I found these pamphlets to be an essential component to the prosecution of witches, and a prominent medium in everyday life. Like the Malleus Mallificarum, these pamphlets were a gift from the evolving technology that offered mass publication, vernacular writing and easy distribution. To further support my depiction of these pamphlets I read two witch pamphlets as primary sources. This was to better understand the writing, structure, and details of these pamphlets. These two pamphlets were from Strasbourg in 1583 and Scotland in 1591. Having actual pamphlets as sources allowed for a stronger understanding, and portrayal of these witch pamphlets in my script. I further analyzed the pictures within these pamphlets, and pictures that where originally printed in witch pamphlets, as a template for designing the look of the court house, dungeon and platform of execution. I also felt it was essential to explore the role of gender and feminine identity in the witch trials. The book Women and Gender in Early Modern Europe by Merry E. Wiesner proved an excellent source for understanding how one’s gender identity and conformity to societal expectations of gender influenced a witch trial. I specifically modeled my main character, Marion Gage, to contradict the expected characteristics of women at this time. Her tough demeanor and lack of interest in a husband made her an easy target for accusations, and I wanted to explore how her choice in identity over conformity played a role in her life, and her relationship to the people of Europe. I believe the role of gender conformity played an essential role in these trials, and it was necessary to explore them through my script. I also used this source as an opportunity to study the societal impact of having an illegitimate child during the early modern period, so I incorporated what I learned from this source, and analyzed it through the lens of my script.

           Finally, I read excerpts from the Witchcraft Sourcebook by Brian Levax as a response to an interesting photo I came across. The photo demonstrated a pregnant woman burning alive for exercising witchcraft. In the picture, her unborn child bursts from the mother and into the crowd. Upon research, I discovered there was belief that an unborn child is still pure despite the sins of the mother and could escape the womb upon the mother’s execution. I wanted to understand how wide spread these beliefs were, and how the belief influenced the outcome of these trials if the accused was pregnant. Of course, I utilized the Malleus Manickam to understand what the proper code of conduct would be in this case, and I used these two sources to express a legitimate portrait of what might happen in this situation. To conclude, these sources where all detrimental to the formation of this work of historical fiction. Upon reading these sources, I believe the script I wrote is a strong representation of these witch trials. While writing this script, I found I had developed a new-found sympathy for the people of this; I understand more about who they were, how they were defined by society and how society was defined by them. In the script, I explore many aspects of life in the early modern period, and how they influence the culture of the witch trial. What I learned from writing this script is this: the utilization of mass printing spread a singular ideal that plagued Europe with a fear of witchcraft and black magic. The results of this fear were disturbing, but forced all of Europe to consider their ideals, and consider what makes them Christian. 

Created By: Max Corman, Sophomore, Film Major