Mass hysteria is the loss of control over ones independent thought. It results from fear of the unknown caused by an event or events that cannot be explained. Mass hysteria is a phenomenon that has occurred throughout history, still occurs, and will occur as long as there are groups of people around. This phenomenon is what Arthur Miller writes about in his play The Crucible . Arthur Miller illustrates his view of the evil extremes of mass of hysteria by describing how the loss of independent thought and blind belief in the unseen and unknown created by religion make people susceptible to these extremes of mass hysteria.
             In the beginning of the play, the mass hysteria in regard to the witch trials has not yet taken place. However, this is when Abigail first realizes the potential for power that exists. For example, "Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word . . . and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you." This shows that Abigail is fully aware of the consequences of her actions and does not want to have to deal with them and shows that she is willing to use the threat of physical harm in order to save her own skin. The realization of the power she has over these girls allows her to sow the first seeds of hysteria right in her own home. Throughout the play Abigail and her cronies accuse people of witchcraft and are believed. This shows that Abigail takes advantage of the trust and blind belief that these people have in the unknown and the unseen thanks to their firm religious beliefs. This shows that Abigail manipulates the people around her in order to gain a position of power so that she can further manipulate whoever she wants in order to achieve what she wants regardless of who gets hurt or even killed. The power that she gains from these manipulations allows her to water and fertili
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