Anne Hutchinson

Anne Hutchinson was the first example of an indirect witchcraft accusation.  She tried to teach publicly her interpretation of the "Doctrine of Grace" in the holy Bible.  Instead of advocating the "Covenant of Grace" which emphasized outwords signs of salvation such as doing good deeds or even wordly success, Hutchinson believed that it should be the "inner works" that help one reach salvation and a close relationship with God.  Both clerical and civic authorities banished her from the Puritan community simply because she was a threat to religion, family, and male authority.  Her significance in history tells us that male authority will accuse women who spoke their minds out in the community.  Puritan women couldn't speak their minds.  They were expected to be passive.  They were expected to follow their husbands lead.  The male authority who banished Anne Hutchinson shows us that male authority will try to maintain order.  Men and women in the Puritan community knew their place.  Women who spoke out stepped out of their place which is what Anne Hutchinson did.  It also shows the kind of oppresive order she had to deal with.

Author's Notes/Comments: 

Anne Hutchinson is a very important historical figure in American history.

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Bryan Adam Tomimbang's picture

She was very strong when she dealt with the male authority...