place during the 17th and 18th centuries. One theory is the strict religious atmosphere at the time. It is apparent that most possession cases took place in areas in which religion was the predominant aspect of the society. This could be responsible in the aspect that Knapp felt confined in her community and was frustrated with her situations. She acted out, both mentally and physically, in the only way that she knew, which was through religion. By saying and acting as if she was possessed by the Devil she was rebelling against the institution which was restricting her. For example, when Knapp stated that the Devil tried to bribe her on several occasions with fine silks and an ease of labor, her giving in would have been her breaking down her Christian loyalties. A second explanation of could be in regards to the dissatisfaction that Elizabeth Knapp felt about her placement in society. Once she began showing her symptoms she no longer was required to do her work as a servant. Servants, in Puritan New England were treated harshly, especially women who were expected to do most of the manual labor. They had to care for the entire house and the children. She used the possession as an excuse to speak out against all those who held authority over her, for example Willard, her master and Reverend, and her father. The possession, in a sense, moved her up a place in society. Knapp was no longer a sixteen-year-old girl, but an important person who was known throughout the town. No longer considered just a child Knapp now had a place in the Puritan society which did not involve being someone's servant. References 1671 in Massachusetts 1672 in Massachusetts American witchcraft Demonic possession Groton, Massachusetts History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts