The problems that arose in the village of Salem in 1692 were definitely not the cause of real witches. No, the cause was that of several people's emotions and desires to get what they wanted. John Proctor's own words I believe sums it up "I'll tell you what's walking Salem-vengeance is walking Salem".(pg 77) This ended in the tragic deaths of people who were completely innocent.
             The first, and most obvious, of these people is Abigale Williams. She is the one who started it all, the one who put the lives of others on the line to fulfill her own needs.
             What Abigale originally wanted was John Proctor. He own words were "John- I am waitin' for you every night." (pg 22) But the one thing that stood in her way was John Proctor's wife, Elizabeth Proctor. Abigale actually had a very good way of getting rid of Goody Proctor. Accuse her of something so extreme as witchcraft, then let the courts get rid of her, leaving John to herself.
             But the plan had much more outcomes than Abigale had first considered. To make it work more realistically, more people than just Elizabeth Proctor had to be accused. This included much of the town's women. This led to all the unneeded hangings that happened in the village of Salem.
             Another person whose own thoughts and feelings contributed to the mass hysteria at Salem was John Proctor himself. His own desire was to save his wife, Elizabeth. As we know from before Abigale Williams accused Goody Proctor of witchcraft to get rid of her. John knew Abigale was lying, and did all he could to stop the madness.
             His efforts were in vain though. For his cries of peace did nothing more than too even further convince the townsfolk that witchcraft was at hand. Poor John knew the truth, but only the accused could relate with him. John "signed" his own death warrent by stating this: "I have given you my soul; leave me my name!". (pg...