Crucible - Histeria vs. Reason

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In The Crucible, Miller vividly creates a terrifying world where superstition and hysteria blinds the people of Salem, preventing them from seeing reason or using common sense. They fear the threat of witchcraft so much, they are unable to see the reality of the situation; a group of young girls pretending, leading adults to believe their actions, acting and accusations, all of which had murderous consequences.

In the opening of the play, we learn that a group of young girls were discovered dancing in the forest, in an act that appeared to be linked with witchcraft, especially find no medical reason for the girl's condition, they must now "look to unnatural things" (pg 7).  From this moment, it becomes evident that the people of Salem were quick to jump to conclusions of evil due to their superstitious beliefs, before looking at all angles.  Here, they have not used common sense, ignoring the possibility that perhaps the girls feared the consequences of their actions in the forest, the fact that they were young girls playing, not calling the devil.  

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Furthermore, the arrival of Reverend Hale does little to restore common sense and reason among the people of Salem.  Upon his arrival, his reputation as an expert in witchcraft is quickly circulated, fueling the people's fears that the devil is indeed among them.  John Proctor, could see how Hale's appearance could add to the hysteria rising in Salem and was quick to bring this to Parris' attention challenging his decision to call Hale to examine the girls; "if it be not the devil, what's he coming for?" (pg 22).  Although Proctor has little time for Parris, he and Rebecca ...

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