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In reply to the discussion: Salem Witch Trials documents and other records [View all]wnylib
(21,431 posts)I've always thought that the girls' behavior started as a result of fear and guilt over their activities with Tituba. For kids brought up in such a strongly religious community, the guilt over dabbling in forbidden practices would have been strong enough to produce hysterical behavior. It's also possible that Tituba tried to guarantee their silence with the threat of a curse if they talked, although therexis no record of such a threat, AFAIK. That threat would set up a strong internal conflict for girls who were taught the necessity of confessing and repenting of sins and the dire consequences of not repenting.
In the end, when they finally did admit to consulting with Tituba, and it was labelled as witchcraft, there was powerful social pressure on them to deliver what people expected to hear, especially with some coaching from Ann Putnam's mother.