In Arthur Miller's, The Crucible, many themes are expressed throughout the play. The theme can have a big impact on the setting, plot, and characterization of a story. One theme that had an impact on the outcome of this story is fear and suspicion can produce mass hysteria which results in the destruction and breakdown of the people.
             The story takes place during the times of the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts in 1692. During this time the superstition of witches existed in a society of strong Christian beliefs. Anybody who acted out of the ordinary, thereby breaking the Puritans stern moral code, was accused of being a witch. At the beginning of this story, a group of girls are dancing in the forest. When the girls are seen they become scared and run off. This is what leads to the uprising in the town .?And what shall I say to them? That my daughter and my niece I discovered dancing like heathen in the forest?? (1093) Parris is afraid to speak to the congregation in fear that his reputation will be ruined, due to the fact that it was his niece and daughter who are thought to be practicing witchcraft. The law at the time of the Puritans was very different that the law we abide by today. Just one accusation caused hysteria to spread through the town like wildfire. I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Good Osburn with the Devil!? (1111) Therefore when these accusations were made, the people took them very seriously. The court was the main ruling body of justice and was run by the church. Separation of church and government didn't exist at the time of the Puritans. The law, based upon the Bible, and the Bible, writ by Almighty God, forbid the practice of witchcraft, and describe death as the penalty.? (1141) The mixing up of the laws of God and the laws of government set the stage for the complete chaos of the Salem witch trials.
             The plot of The Crucible dealt with the Salem witch trials. After accusations ar...