42 pages • 1 hour read
Carol F. KarlsenThe Devil in the Shape of a Woman: Witchcraft in Colonial New England
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1987A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Devil in the Shape of a Woman by Carol F. Karlsen examines the gendered nature of witchcraft trials in 17th-century New England, arguing these trials targeted women who defied patriarchal norms. Using interdisciplinary methods, Karlsen explores demographic details of the accused, social and religious structures driving accusations, and the interplay between economic and familial tensions. The book discusses extensive historical uses of witchcraft accusations to control and punish women outside prescribed gender roles and their lasting implications.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Carol F. Karlsen's The Devil in the Shape of a Woman offers a thorough exploration of gender dynamics during the Salem witch trials. Praised for its rigorous research and feminist perspective, it provides valuable insights into the societal roles of women. However, some readers find its academic style dense and challenging. This thought-provoking work is essential for understanding women's history in colonial America.
Who Should Read The Devil in the Shape of a Woman?
Readers interested in women’s history, witchcraft, and early American society will relish Carol F. Karlsen’s The Devil in the Shape of a Woman. Comparable to those who enjoyed Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and Mary Beth Norton’s In the Devil’s Snare, this book provides a compelling analysis of gender and power in the Salem witch trials.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1570L