The Crucible
             In this book there are a lot of different themes and without them this book wouldn't be what it is. I chose to concentrate on the theme people lie to get themselves out of trouble. At first they might know they are lying, but as time goes on, they may come to believe their own lie because it becomes so real to them.
             Abigail and the girls accuse many people of witchcraft. In the beginning they said they saw people with the devil just to get them out of trouble for dancing in the woods. They lie because they are afraid. Obviously, Abby accuses Elizabeth intentionally, and Mr. Putnam had has daughter accuse his neighbor because he wants more land. But, over time, I think that the girls start to believe that the people they are accusing are actually witches. Abigail has bruises and cuts all over her body, which she put there herself, but why would she hurt herself just to accuse all these people? I'm holes and pins all over from their damned needles and pins. And George Jacobs - he comes again and again with his stick - the same spot every night all week. Look at the lump I have. (155) She also says The jab your wife [Elizabeth] gave me hasn't heeled yet. I think sometimes she picks it open again while I sleep. (155) Why would she say this? I think she believes it.
             Judge Danforth is a very well know judge and is brought in to judge these cases of witchcraft. Obviously, he is under a lot of pressure to convict the people who are accused. Everyone thinks Abigail is a saint and if he disagrees with her that won't look good. Also, people would think he is weak if he didn't convict some people. At the beginning he knows that the evidence is made up, but it is good enough for him, so he convicted them. I think eventually, he convinces himself that the evidence the girls are giving is real so he won't feel guilty for convicting all these people. I tell you straight sir-I have seen marvels in this court. I ...