hysteria in salem

Hysteria in Salem Hysteria is defined as the behavior exhibiting overwhelming or unmanageable fear or emotional excess. Fear, can produce a state of general hysteria that results in the destruction of public order and rationality. The breakdown in Salem, Massachusetts leads to a tragedy in which many innocent people die. Arthur Miller, author of The Crucible uses the theme of hysteria to emphasize personality flaws in vulnerable characters. The accusations of witchcraft in Salem exploits …

…to the horrible Salem tragedy. The evident destruction of Salem’s social order is due to rigid stipulations, mass confusion and fear of the unknown. The theme of hysteria plays an enormous role in the witch trials and the continuing accusations. Hysteria in all societies leads to chaos and will eventually lead to destruction. People must be search for their own opinions and beliefs, keep an open mind and try to be fearless. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**