The Chaos Of Salem In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

The Chaos of Salem

During the year 1692 and 1693, Salem went to chaos over the Salem Witch Trials. The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, portrays this event very well; Millar easily shows the hysteria and fear that was running throughout Salem during this time. During this one-year long period of history, the judges in Salem had trialed over 200 people, and 20 of them was executed by hanging. Only certain kids, 12 of them total, were being afflicted by other people’s “spirits.” In all reality, it was found the 12 kids lied; They was building up power over time, so they soon controlled most, if not all, of Salem at the fingertips. This caused the hysteria to start, only to have it grow more that it turned to fear and major hysteria. The hysteria/fear grew worse over time, because people did not know who is getting accused next plus vengeance played a huge roll in the accusations. The more someone had it out for someone; The more likely whomever that person may be will probably get accused by the “afflicted” one. This kind of accusations spread rapidly throughout Salem. A good example of this would be Abigail accusing Elizabeth Proctor with witchcraft, so Abigail could have John Proctor to herself. Abigail talks horribly about Elizabeth to try and brainwash John Proctor, “It's a bitter woman, a lying, cold, sniveling woman, and I will not work

20 of these 200+ people was hanged for Witchcraft, lying about their confession refusing to sign the confession, etc. The “afflicted,” like Abigail Williams, were responsible for the people that was arrested and the few that was killed. This caused fear to grow majorly in Salem, this lead to major hysteria and chaos. All of this combined, lead to people threatening to kill the people involved in the trials if their friend, loved one, was not saved or taken out of jail. “Tonight, when I open my door to leave my house-a dagger clattered to the ground…”(Parris, Act 4.