The witchcraft trials brought to the surface underlying tensions and resentments that existed within the townspeople of Salem.

THE CRUCIBLE The witchcraft trials brought to the surface underlying tensions and resentments that existed within the townspeople of Salem and allowed them to vent their true feelings. Discuss with reference to characters and themes. Witchcraft has in history, often been regarded with suspicion and hatred among the public. Even today, in our "enlightened" and "accepting" society, there remain qualms regarding witches and their practice. Not surprisingly, then, 17th century Salem was a place filled …

…anarchy present in the town to seek her own vengeance to who she believes is responsible. Conclusively, we see that the trials for witchcraft brought the town under anarchy. Had witchcraft naught been brought up, they would have lived in peace, yet as it had, it opened up the opportunity for the citizens of Salem to surface their underlying tensions and hatred to one another, to vent their true feelings through the pretension of witchcraft.