Fear

Fear plays a big part in "The Cruicilbe" as it helps so convey the different figures of power and show the effect of certain decisions in the town. The fear in the town represents the fear people had for the justice system in America at the time of McCartyism. Fear is presented in the text through a number of ways - one of these is how different characters are portrayed.

In the beginning of the play we see BETTY fake being ill as she is afraid of getting in to trouble. This shows the effect the strict rules the girls live under have on them.

Throughout the play REV.PARIS is afraid of losing his reputation and money - his fear shows the corruption in his character and fault as a reverand as he is more afraid for himself than he is for anyone else including his daughter!

"But if you traffiked with spirits in the forest I must know it now, for surely my enemies will, and they will ruin me with it."
This show his fear of losing his job and reputation.
Parris' fear is also shown through his interjection everytime there is a sign of faith in Abigail being lost.
"Your Honour, this is all a - " This shows he is desperate to protect HIMSELF!

THE GIRLS in particular, Mary Warren, all convey fear as they are afraid of both getting into trouble AND betraying Abigail. Abigail sees their fear however, and uses it to manipulate them!

We see Mary Warren's fear when Proctor suggests she confess! Stating "I cannot, they'll turn on me - " we see just how much hold over the girls Abigail has.

THE ACCUSED convey the fear in the town of Salem. They are afraid to confess as they would obviously be lying, which is a sin.
"Would you give them such a lie?...It is evil."
Some of the people do confess because they do not want to die!
The town are stuck between dying and lying and everyone is afraid of judgement in one form or another.

ABIGAIL uses the town's fear of witchcraft to turn it around and get herself out of trouble. She also causes fear in the minds of the girls as they are all afraid to step out of line with her! They all stick to her story and when Mary confesses Abigail uses the 'yellow bird' to get her back on side!
By turning against here we see just how she can manipulate people with their fear.