LS 5663 Spring 2012 Mod 4 Social Studies

Poetry Across the Curriculum: Social Studies Poetry

Bibliographic information:

Hemphill, Stephanie. Wicked girls: a novel of the Salem witch trials. New York: Balzer + Bray, 2010. ISBN 9780061853296

Review:

Hemphill’s phrasing and word choice in Wicked Girls is emotional, descriptive and entertaining. Written in proper old English, it may at times be difficult for some readers to understand. However, readers who have some basic background knowledge of the history of the trials will have a slight advantage over readers who have no prior knowledge of these historical events. Hemphill offers great insight into what it may have been like for both the accused and the accusers. The quality of each poem intensifies the drama and danger that surrounded those involved in these trials.

Hemphill created these poems for this collection based on her research and investigations into the lives of those who were a part of the hearings that took place in the 1600’s known as the Salem Witch Trials or Hunts. The two sections titled, “The Real Girls and What Happened to Them” and “The Real People the Girls Accused” provides readers with an awareness of why and how the author wrote this poetry.

However, the arrangement is difficult to follow and readers may have to consult the descriptions before each poem many times to understand who is speaking. There are too many characters to keep track of and so readers may find themselves confused throughout the book. The story tends to get lost on the reader when he/she has to concentrate on each character’s specific set of circumstances and personality so closely.

The book is organized with headings before each poem to let readers know who is sharing. Page numbers, a table of contents and an index are provided. This collection is not illustrated; however, the list of resources, character descriptions, and factual information about the “real” people that may help readers with little or no background knowledge of this period in American history.



Highlighted Poem:
p. 346

Go Home

November 1692

After a fire rages,

the forest path dusts away.

it may be safe to walk,

but where do you go

when all directions wear

the same black ashen despair?

Introduction/Activity:

5th grade: mood

Explain that this poem is depicting the atmosphere in Salem Village after the trials and hangings had taken place. Read the poem. Ask students to describe the mood in Salem Village. How do you think the accusers feel?