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The trumped-up witch hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts, deteriorated the rational, and emotional stability of its citizens. This exploited the populations weakest qualities, and insecurities. The obvious breakdown in Salem’s social order led to the tragedy which saw twenty innocent people hung on the accusation of witchcraft. Arthur Miller, author of The Crucible, used hysteria to introduce personality flaws in vulnerable characters. A rigid social system, fear, and confusion were evident conditions that became prevalent …

…a great tragedy which saw twenty townspeople hung at the hands of the state. The Crucible written by Arthur Miller is a story of a great catastrophe which highlights a "free man’s courageous and never-ending fight against mass pressures to make him bow down in conformity"(intro.-x) and shows how hysteria can be used for evil purposes in an atmosphere were there is a belief in freedom and right of dissent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**