Joseph Romano
English CP II H Block
Ms. Homem
5/16/23
Salem Witchcraft Hysteria
In Salem during the years 1692-1693 a mass hysteria movement called witchcraft began to become popular, witchcraft affected more than 200 individuals and got 20 executed through various methods. It now has been 331 years after those times and historical depictions have been made, for example, Arthur Miller's play The Crucible. In The Crucible the villagers had lost their way of life, the focus to them was the church as it controlled their whole life. Witchcraft had plagued the church and seemingly could not be stopped, who has the ability to end this hysteria?
Reverend John Hale of Beverly is a well-respected minister who is called to Salem to investigate the witchcraft accusations. As the story progresses, Hale realizes the severity of the situation and the
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The Devil is precise; the marks of his presence are definite as stone, and I must tell you all that I shall not proceed unless you are prepared to believe me if I should find no bruise of Hell upon her." (Miller, Act 1.). He becomes aware of his responsibility to put an end and not to spread the hysteria due to his own wife being accused of witchcraft and his increasing need to restore order in the community. In order to do this, Reverend Hale must use the resources available to him to stop the spread of fear and misinformation. One of the resources Reverend Hale has at his disposal is the trust of the village “...Hale declares that he now believes Abby is lying. As a result, Abby increases her agitation…” (Ardolino) this quote shows that Abigail feels threatened by Hale due to how powerful his