Final answer:
Abigail's strategy in calling out Tituba during the Salem witch trials aimed to shift blame from herself and the other accusers to a vulnerable and easily targeted individual, exploiting the mass hysteria of the time and Puritanical fears of non-conformity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abigail's strategy in calling out Tituba as part of the Salem witch trials served multiple purposes. Crushing Tituba, a West Indian servant involved in practices of the occult, shifted blame away from her and onto an easy scapegoat. Tituba, due to her low social standing and non-conformity to Puritan norms, was a perfect target for the hysteria that took hold of Salem Village.
By accusing her, the girls gained attention and power; their further accusations led to a tragic outpouring of fear and hysteria, resulting in the persecution and execution of many, including those viewed as non-conformists or threats to the Puritan societal mold. The initial accusation against Tituba was a strategic move during a time when Puritan society harshly judged and punished those who deviated from its strict religious and societal norms.