The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, is based on the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts. The Crucible deals with a community, which everybody lived in a normal society and everybody attended church. However, one night, a group of girls were caught dancing in the woods. Some people accuse them for doing witchcraft. Therefore, they lied to protect not just themselves but the reputation of their families. They claimed that the devil took them over and influenced them to dance. One of the main girls in the group named Tituba, starts pointing her finger at different people, accusing them of being witches. Finally, the other girls also say that they saw members of the town standing with the devil. The community starts pointing their fingers at each other to get themselves out of trouble. In the seventeenth century, superstition of witchcraft made many people lose their lives by being hanged or being in prison. The power of superstition and scapegoating can distort from the truth and change many peoples lives and even led to death for some innocent people.
             Some people in the community believe that a Parish minister name Parris, his niece, and his daughter were first afflicted for witchcraft. The actions that Parris's daughter and his niece frightens other young people, who soon shows the same symptoms, such as poor health and a loss of appetite.
             They were murdered, Mr. Parris! And mark this proof! Mark it! Last night my Ruth were ever so close to their little spirits; I know it sir. For how else is she struck dumb now except some power of darkness would stop her mouth? It is a marvelous sign, Mr. Parris! (pg.16)
             Mrs. Putnam cries, blaming witchcraft for the cause of Betty's sickness and being unable to speak. The belief quickly spread over Salem and throughout the state that evil spirits are being seen in Salem. Terror and superstition took control of the minds of nearly all the people
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