Salem's Believe It or Not

In The Crucible, false accusations and unjust hangings are common all because the leaders of the village believe made up stories. People's well-being and even lives can be ruined if the truth is not revealed or believed if it is. When tricksters, such as Abigail, start scheming for their own personal gain, people who aren't even involved can be sucked in and hurt. Abigail's lust for John Proctor drives her to play a trick on the entire village which leads to the hanging of multiple innocent bystanders. It's ironic how this purging of those supposedly affiliated with the devil is started and led by the one who broke the commandments that are used to prove someone's religiousness and is currently trying to commit murder. Abigail's acting (again ironic because it's a play...) and deceit makes the judges believe false accusations. This shows the power and influence someone can have in a time of hysteria and fear.