Truth Is Death “And though there’s a grain of truth in every rumor, I’ve found that the worst gossip usually starts with something harmless", Kathleen Odell. Beginning in 1692, in a small village outside of Salem Massachusetts, Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" highlights the story of how a small town tarnished by hearsay somehow managed to hang nineteen people and press one to their death. The most compelling question throughout the play is "who's fault is it?" and "who had the most influence?". Due to the motive and attitude of Abigail Williams, it is clear that she used the Puritan faith to her advantage as she framed people of witchcraft proving she is the main reason for the death and destruction in the town of Salem. Abigail's …show more content…
People of the Puritan faith did not believe that one could repent and be forgiven, instead they feared Satan and his demonic power. Which means, even when they questioned themselves of their wrong doings, they believed they would not be forgiven under the power of God. Defending herself, Abigail turns the tables on Mr. Danforth and cautions him, "Think you be so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits? Beware of it!"(100). Abigail knows that if they do not believe her and her plan does not succeed that she had the most to loose out of all the girls which is why she goes to the extent of putting fear of Satan in the forefront. The conflict also concerns the manner in which people worship God in Salem; many individuals are beginning to show their faith in individual ways which undermines the power of the church and the state. For this reason, the witch hunt also conceals other long held hatreds and divisions. The court and the religious “keepers” place their faith in the girls as believing them and using witchcraft as a scapegoat it becomes a convenient means of regaining their eroding