Hysteria and Destruction in Salem
Essay Preview: Hysteria and Destruction in Salem
Report this essay
“In 1692, The colony of Salem, Massachusetts, was plagued by a witchcraft hysteria that resulted in the death of at least twenty people and the jailing of at least 150 others” (Miller, 1171). The colonists of Salem village were uneducated, poor, and superstitious, thus they were quick to blame others of witchcraft. Young girls began accusing other women in the village for their strange afflictions in hopes of taking their husbands. Elders of the village would accuse others of witchery in hopes of getting more land or out of spite. Eventually, many people were named and accused and were jailed. Many themes stand out in The Crucible, however, lust, greed, and hatred are most prominent.
“I saw your face when she put me out, and you loved me then and you do now!” (Miller, 1183). Abigail Williams was in love with the husband of Elizabeth Proctor, John, because of a previous affair they had in the past. Although Abigail yearned for Johns love, he would not return her love because he viewed their affair as a mistake of the past. “Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before Ill ever reach for you again” (Miller, 1184). Johns blunt rejection caused Abigail to become enraged, thus causing Abigail to accuse Elizabeth Proctor of trafficking with the devil and sending out her spirit. Because of the towns extremely high religious standards, the courts were quick to put Mrs. Proctor in jail on accounts of being a witch. Although the charges against Elizabeth were false, to prevent her own death by hanging, she was forced to confess to a lie or die for the truth. Innocent women such as Elizabeth Proctor were persecuted just on the account of a young girls lust.
In addition to lust, greed also plagued the village of Salem. “Thomas Putnam is reaching out for land!” (Miller, 1221). Many elders of Salem began accusing each other of witchery because they wanted to take over their land. The people of the village were poor and if they acquired more land that meant more crops they would have to harvest and sell. “If Jacobs hangs for a witch he forfeit up his property-thats law! And there is none but Putnam with the coin to buy so great a piece. This man is killing his neighbors for their land!” (Miller, 1228). In Salem, when a person was convicted of witchery, his land was given for sale and anyone with means could purchase it, therefore causing more false accusations. Greed for material