The Crucible
... witchcraft. This idea is presented in The Crucible when Reverend Parris feared witchcraft was the source of the unusual behaviors because he found Betty, Abigail, and other girls dancing naked in the woods with Tituba, a servant in their households. Tituba was also accused of conjuring spirits. Fear grew heavily in the hearts of the Salem citizens during the talk of possible encounters with the Devil. When something cannot be explained, as in this situation, fear can lead to panic. Some villagers of Salem were not concerned so much for what was happening to the people, but only for themselves. A main character from The Crucible, Reverend Parris, cared only for his social status in the community. When his daughter’s behaviors became unusual, he worried over what the community would say. Some historians believe that some villagers of Salem were afraid that with the economy of Salem’s merchants growing, that the stability and local values of their community would falter. The wife of the wealthiest merchant in Salem was accused of being a witch and arrested. The people trying to improve the community and better their lives were some of the very ones being accused of practicing witchcraft. Change often causes fear in people’s minds. The suspicion of Satan entering Salem, Massachusetts, led to the witch hunts and trials. A total of nineteen people, men and women, were found guilty and punished by hanging. Another form of punishment for accused witches was being pressed to death by large stones. This even happened to one man accused of being a witch. Two dogs were also hung because the people of the community feared they had even been influenced by witchcraft. Close to 150 people were thrown in prison and charged with the practice of witchcraft. Some of these people died in prison before they were ever tried or released. Trying to rid the village of the devil’s influences, people began to pray and fast. The girls claiming to be controlled by evil spirits were forced to tell who the witches were. In the play The Crucible, these confusing times were used by some for their own gain. Abigail accused Elizabeth Pr...