Sin in Salem

Sin in Salem

The sin coupled with the Salem witch trials is no small one. As in all things, it is doubtless that there is more than one person who this sin belongs to. This is evident in the book about these trials, The Crucible, by Arthur Miller. Everyone had some small part of this particular sin. Even God himself could be blamed. But the largest part is borne by one man by the name of Deputy Governor Danforth. No small number of his actions brought the deaths of the innocent. He started the mass hysteria by allowing invisible evidence and failing to question the accusers. He also was seduced into believing that any defense was an attack on the court. The third strike against Danforth is that he signed the death warrants.
First, he allowed spiritual evidence to be used in court. Spiritual evidence is virtually the only evidence of witchcraft. Without it, you cannot find witches at all. However, spiritual evidence can only be seen, heard, and felt by the “victims” accusing others of witchcraft. Therefore, while it seems like a logical way to gather evidence, it is highly inaccurate, relying on the testimony of one person. However, with no one in a position to verify the information being spoken, the information is subject to lies and deceit. In fact, before the trials, the person everyone is relying on for evidence, Abigail Williams, admitted that no witchcraft was done. She said, “… But they’re speakin’ of witchcraft. Betty’s not witched (Miller 10).” She tells this to Parris, who is looking for a way to keep his congregation and his social standing. Danforth however, should have seen that they were lying, and that the “spiritual evidence,” which he had relied on so heavily, was just a façade. As a judge, the responsibility of determining fact from fiction falls solely on him.
Second, Danforth never once questioned the accusers. Abigail, the girls following her, and Reverend Parris, were taken at their word and believed instantaneously. However, any fault or...

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