The Crucible Group
Question:
Before the witchcraft hysteria begins, is Salem a peaceful town without community strife?
Answers:
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pmiranda2857 Teacher
High School - 11th GradePosted by pmiranda2857 on Thursday July 3, 2008 at 12:52 PMIn my view, the witch trials begin, because of all the community strife and unresolved conflict that exists in Salem. The Puritan community was dealing with a great deal of hardship just prior to the witch trials, actually since the establishment of the settlement in Massachusetts.
They were frequently attacked by Indians, and Pirates, winters were brutally cold, crops often failed because of drought, people died from unknown causes, some families prospered while others did not.
There were disputes between the settlers regarding the division of land and who the rightful owners were. They were trying to understand unexpected livestock death, infant mortality and, adhere to the strict Puritan code of behavior.
By the time the witch trials came around, there was also a great deal of repressed individualism yearning to break free. Take for example, John Proctor, who in The Crucible, does not attend regular church services. When he is accused of being in league with the devil, he explains that he does not like his Pastor's sermons, which he feels do not focus on God or salvation.
His behavior draws the ire of the town officials who believe that the devil is recruiting followers in the town of Salem. So when the accusations begin, people in the town draw on all their prior conflicts and experiences with their neighbors and attribute them to witchcraft.