The Crucible, could the hysteria that played out in this intense and nerve racking story have been stopped by anyone? The truth is yes, the hysteria in Salem could have no doubt been stopped by two people in particular, Abigail Williams, and Judge Danforth. Here’s how these two individuals could have stopped the hysteria in Salem. Throughout the story it is seen that Danforth has a bit of an ego due to the reputation he has as a successful judge. This does not help calm things down in Salem at all. Danforth believes he has the best judgment of the case and that there is no room for error in the decision he makes. “Why? Do you mean to deny this confession when you are free?”(Miller act IV para 285). It is shown in this line that Danforth likes …show more content…
Abigail was the whole reason any of the drama in Salem started, she was caught dancing in the forest, and accused of witchcraft soon later. With this accusation and the whole town of Salem focused in on the case Abigail had quite that platform that was willing to hear what she had to say, but instead of setting the record straight she danced around the truth and fled before anything bad could happen to her. “Thirty-one pound is gone. I am penniless.”(Miller act IV para 74). This statement by reverend Parris shows that Abigail robbed him and ran away to save her own skin, this selfish act only makes the chaos that is ensuing worse, and puts people who were innocent in danger just because Abigail was fearful of something that may never have even happened. If she would have stayed and told the truth then there would have been less panic because the people of Salem would have a clear understanding of what's going on as well as some would not be in fear of dying especially for something that could've been cleared up by the words of one girl. This is why Abigail could've ended the hysteria in Salem as