“The tragedy in Salem…was a perverse manifestation of the panic which set in among all classes when the balance began to turn toward greater individual freedom”(7). The conjured witch hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts, deteriorated the rational, and emotional stability of its citizens. This exploited the populations weakest qualities, and insecurities. The obvious breakdown in Salem’s order led to the tragedy, which saw twenty people hung on the accusation of witchcraft. Arthur Miller author …showed first 75 words of 874 total…

…showed last 75 words of 874 total…the cause of a great tragedy which saw twenty townspeople hung at the hands of the state. The Crucible is a story of great catastrophe which highlights a “…paradox. It is a paradox in whose grip we still live, and there is no prospect yet that we will discover its resolution”(7) and shows how hysteria can be used for evil purposes in an atmosphere were there is a belief in freedom and right of dissent.