Final answer:
In Act 1 of The Crucible, Arthur Miller portrays hysteria through the actions and reactions of the characters, highlighting the destructive effects of fear and mass hysteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, the author depicts hysteria in Act 1 through the actions and reactions of the characters. The girls, led by Abigail Williams, begin to feign strange behavior, accusing others of witchcraft. This sparks widespread fear and paranoia among the townspeople, causing them to make wild accusations and jump to conclusions. For example, when Betty Parris falls into a coma-like state, the townspeople immediately assume it is due to witchcraft. Miller's portrayal of hysteria in Act 1 highlights how fear and mass hysteria can easily disrupt a community and lead to unjust accusations.