The Devil in the Shape of a Woman: Witchcraft in Colonial New England

What is the significance of Karlsen’s title, The Devil in the Shape of a Woman? How does her imagery of the Devil and the female form reflect the social and religious ideologies of Puritan society?

Did Karlsen’s research change your perception of witches as a cultural figure? Were there any elements of Karlsen’s book that challenged your preconceived notions of witches in colonial New England? If so, which elements?

Throughout The Devil in the Shape of a Woman, Karlsen incorporates research methods from disciplines outside of history, including women’s studies, sociology, and anthropology. How did this varied methodology inform how Karlsen argued her thesis? Do you think her multi-disciplinary approach strengthened or hindered her historical analysis?