Answer:
Extreme fear is one of the novel's major themes. Many of the novel's protagonists take measures to keep from being falsely accused of crimes and put to death by hanging. For the most part, the story begins with Betty unwell and confined to her house, and the rest of the community in fear of whatever disease or power has infected her. It is at this point that many individuals begin making accusations that witchcraft is responsible for Betty's illness.
Abigail is the cause, along with the girls that appeared to her in the woods. Slave Tituba is questioned early on and, to avoid being hung, pleads guilty and proceeds to accuse others of being involved. In an attempt to save oneself, this leads to pointing fingers and claiming guilt on both sides.
People in the town are afraid of "the devil" and "evil spirits," so they have no choice but to kill suspects based on weak evidence. To them, not only do the shadowy forces pose a threat, but so does the risk of losing power and losing their reputation if they refuse to give in to the people. John Proctor represents the type of person who is afraid of being exposed as a fake and will do anything to protect his reputation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Text evidence keeps the structure of the original, but it needs to be rewritten so that the meaning stays the same.
This is my opinion only so please feel free to alter as you see fit.