In her first trials, Paula initially “responded to this one [charge] and [said] that she is not a witch and has not used spells”. However, quickly learning that this tactic would not work, she began telling how she had had used witchcraft and predicted some things, such as when she says, “See how my dream came true: the livestock did come from Barajagua”. It is likely that Paula began to embrace the charge of witchcraft for a couple different reasons. Firstly, by admitting to the charges of witchcraft, Paula was able to confess and receive absolution and light punishment for her transgressions rather than a sentence of death. She began to present her witchcraft in a light that made it seem as if it was done in the service of God, rather than the Devil. Secondly, her livelihood depended on her reputation as a witch. Only if people believed her capable of occult magic would they continue to come to her to make potions. The fact that Paula allowed it to be publicly known that she was a witch and advertised her powers and sold love potions show that it is reasonable to suspect that she was not as repentant about her actions as she seems in her confessions. Additionally, the fact that she was accused and tried twice more futher strengthens this theory. During her trials she also admitted to preparing a “spell” with which to heal her master, but he did not allow her to administer it. Eleven witnesses spoke against her in her hearing, which she attributes to jealousy. This is likely, as she was well dressed and an obvious favorite of her master, which would have incurred the jealousy of those below and above her in the social hierarchy. Additionally, fellow Africans would not have been compelled in any way to shield Paula, but rather to accuse her with vehemence. African culture encouraged that women accused as witches by her peers and be hunted down and put to justice.[1]
[1] Palmer, Karen. Spellbound: Inside West Africa’s Witch Camps. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2010. pg. 142
Do you think that peoples fear of witchcraft and what she could do to them, helped her? Like did it lead them to give her a less harsh punishment for fear of what they might do to them?
ReplyDeleteI think it did help her, if for no other reason than to provide her with a means to subtly remind people that she was capable of power. I think it's significant that Paula chose to admit to performing spells, such as the one to heal her master and the power to predict things, because it's like she's saying "I'm so sorry I did this I never intended to, but watch out because I have power and can do whatever I like".
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