Anne Marbury Hutchinson
This Great and Sore Affliction
In the early years of the New England’s history women were treated with much more respect as well as given many more rights and were abused less. In England women were commonly beaten, but in New England, however, it was forbidden. Their role in society unraveled to be much more valuable than in England. They realized how well they were being treated and sent letters back to England in which they encouraged other women to come to New England. Soon enough the men and women ratio became 3:2 the highest it had ever been in the colonies. This led to a rise of dilemmas in the colonies in both society and religious values. However, while the colonies were having their own problems many male leaders in Europe were having there own crisis. With Queen Elizabeth I in control in England, Isabella in Spain, and Margaret in Austria many other male leaders were intimidated and questioned whether women should be trusted with such great power. While other leaders feared the heads of the monarchy the people in England saw this as an opportunity to purify the Church of England. Elizabeth soon made it clear that execution was a result of the subject of religion and she would not tolerate criticism or open opposition whether it be from Puritan reformers or Catholics.
Anne Hutchinson was a bookworm and had a great memory. She was said to have spentmore time reading than sweing. Her mother taught her much about herbs and nursing wounds. Anne knew Latin, Greek, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Welsh. All these skills madeher a respected woman in society. When Anne was in London she was introduced to Familism. It suggested that direct communication between each individual, male or God.