All of the accusations of witchcraft in the play are made in the hysteria of the moment, and the underlying factors contributing to this hysteria are often caused from the characters secret fears and motives. Such as Abigail William's hidden fear of being discovered dancing in the woods, and her secret motive to replace Elizabeth Proctor, as John Proctor's wife. The town of Salem's infatuation with hysteria, clearly thwarts those who are trying to argue on a logical basis. Any notions of good or evil are squashed in a fever of noise, superstition and frenzy. .
As with many issues in society, the uninvolved or the audience seems to be the only party that can see the impact the hysteria is causing.
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Conformity versus the right of individuals to hold their own beliefs and to live their own private lives, is a universal problem that spans the centuries. Miller effectively communicates this theme through the characters in the Crucible. John Proctor is questioned for not reporting to church every Sabbath, and Martha Corey's private reading is associated with evil intent. These simple acts of individual freedom, are considered as breaking the conformity, and thus seen as dangerous threats to those in power. Through the Crucible, Arthur Miller dramatises the danger when an individuals rights to their own beliefs and opinions, are drowned by the corruptness and intolerance of dominating powers. .
The pressure to conform in this ideologically based state is so immense, that the only safety the individual has, is to conform to the majority's beliefs. This pressure of conformity is so colossal that Mary Warren abandons her quest to reveal the truth, in fear of her life.