Question

although witch trials almost completely ceased in europe by the late 17th century, they continued throughout this period in north american colonies, particularly in new england. one woman, mary bliss parsons, was tried for witchcraft in northampton, massachusetts, as late as 1675. in a paper for a social studies class, a student claims that women were sometimes accused of witchcraft because their neighbors disapproved of their behavior. which finding, if true, would most directly support the students claim? a parsons was seen as petty and cruel by others in northampton because she reacted assertively to insults and often bore grudges. b parsons gave birth to 11 children over 25 years, which was seen as a sign of good luck in 17th - century north america c at her trial, parsons declared, \the righteous god knows of my innocency—with whom i leave my cause.\ d when northampton experienced vanishing livestock or unexplained deaths, some in the community blamed mary

Explanation:

The student's claim is that women were accused of witchcraft due to neighborly disapproval of their behavior. Option A shows that Parsons was seen negatively by others for her assertive reactions and grudges, which could lead to neighborly disapproval and thus support the claim. Option B is about good - luck, Option C is a statement of innocence, and Option D blames her for external events but doesn't directly link to neighborly disapproval of behavior.

Answer:

A. Parsons was seen as petty and cruel by others in Northampton because she reacted assertively to insults and often bore grudges.