Crucible Response

Overall, The Crucible explains what mass hysteria can do to a society and how one lie can lead to a disastrous situation. If it wasn't for the idea that a single lie can convict someone of witchcraft, the trials would never have kept on going. Every lie and conspiracy in the play spreads the rumors and keeps the   trials alive. But all of these lies are based on how selfish and how much the people who tell them care about their reputations. Their acts of malice and self-fulfillment are shown through their accusations of witchery and devil worship which allow them to further their own ambitions. The first example of this was shown when Abigail, the leader of the conspiracies, started the accusations to keep her reputation after getting caught dancing in the woods. She made herself look like the victim to protect herself. Another example of this was shown in Proctor who was a prideful, cruel, and greedy man. These characteristics led him to accuse an innocent elderly man of witchcraft simply so he could gain his land. The judges, being as stubborn and oblivious as they were, didn't realize that this was a complete lie. John also showed that he had a lot of pride and integrity in himself and his name when decided not to sign his name over to the lie of being a witch. Instead, he gave up his life to protect his “soul” and his “name”. Through these and multiple other examples, the trials proved to be a way for the rich and self-centered townspeople to fulfill their own endeavors at the stake of the truly innocent.

273