Final answer:
The Puritans believed in the supernatural as they saw it as a sign from God and a way to make sense of their changing world. Their religious beliefs also influenced their attitudes towards nature. Women were disproportionately accused and executed for witchcraft.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Puritans believed in the supernatural because they saw every event as a sign of God's mercy or judgment. They believed that witches allied themselves with the Devil and caused evil deeds and harm. The belief in witchcraft helped the Puritans make sense of their changing world, which was characterized by wars and political and cultural changes. This belief led to the execution of many people, especially women, who were accused of witchcraft.
Additionally, the Puritans' religious beliefs influenced their views on nature. They considered the wilderness as a place of chaos and sinfulness, contrasting it with the ordered and godly city. This fear of untamed wilderness can be seen in literature and even in modern slasher films set in forests.
Overall, the Puritans' belief in the supernatural and their reactions to it were shaped by their religious worldview and the societal changes happening around them.