Cassidy
Junior English
19 December 2013
How was the life in Salem representing the Crucible?
After reading 'The Crucible ', many questions popped into my mind. One of the most thought provoking question is "What was the life like in Salem of 1692 as represented in 'The Crucible '?" I have researched many sources and will present my answer in the following paragraphs.
Life in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, as represented in the play ‘The Crucible’, was harsh and full of fear. “Even without the witches, Massachusetts in 1692 was a pretty scary place” (Balée 377). Located in New England, winters were long and miserable and summers were just as harsh. Disease was a common occurrence. Being a new colony, Massachusetts …show more content…
However, the fear of witchcraft appeared to take over each colonist’s daily life. “The Crucible presents us with the picture of a small village falling prey to collective fear that witchcraft is about, lurking in some of its citizens” (Bonnet 32). Every townsperson passed each other in the street and stared, waiting for the evil to appear. Many stayed in their homes and didn’t come out to mingle with the other townspeople at town gatherings or even at weekly prayer. The town clergy were very concerned and had to …show more content…
It was almost to the point of people becoming religious fanatics. This thought was throughout the world, whether it be old Europe or the new world. So, the fear of witchcraft brought out this fanaticism to such a great point. “The number of those accused of witchcraft in Salem, and the numbers executed for this crime.” (Bailey 89) makes a strong point as to how far it went in Salem and how the percentage of executions to the total number of colonists was staggering. The small village of Salem became the base for any type of measurement. It was under the microscope for atrocities against its own citizens. How could a small village become so crazed? Many have reviewed history and are still torn as to the exact