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Analysis of “The Devil in the Shape of a Woman” The Devil in the Shape of a Woman, written by Carol F. Karlsen, was a very intriguing publication to read, because it correctly told the events of the Salem witchcraft trials. In the novel the author shows great detail dealing with the original beliefs, demographics, and the New England society. The Salem witchcraft trials of 1620 through 1725 were a grave point in early American History. The event led to several souls being lost. In Chapter one, Karlsen discusses the first ideas and beliefs that brought about the notion of witchcraft. One of the great details she acknowledged was the fact that the Salem witchcraft trials did indeed start off with only women being accused and convicted. Within the first few sentences she went on to describing the life of the woman, Ann Hibbens, who was convicted of witchcraft and was currently on trial. Towards the end of the first page, Karlsen added that that same woman would be hanged for her convictions as a witch. Karslen wrote, “[…] at least eight and probably nine women, as well as one man, had already suffered Hibben’s fate.(2)” One could feel the intensity of the authors writing and great knowledge of the subject just from reading the initial chapter.
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