Final answer:
Some accused individuals during the Salem Witch Trials attempted to save themselves by denying the allegations or pleading for mercy, but for many, including Sarah Good, it was not sufficient. The societal norms and mass hysteria of the time severely curtailed options to avoid execution.
Step-by-step explanation:
To save themselves from hanging during the Salem Witch Trials, some of the accused, such as Sarah Good, made attempts to disprove the allegations or pleaded for mercy, often in vain. For instance, Sarah Good maintained her innocence until the end, but it was not enough to save her. In this era, non-conformity, such as refusal to attend church or being a social outcast, was grounds for suspicion in Puritan society. The situation was dire for many, as the community was swept up in mass hysteria. In some historical accounts and fictional representations, it is suggested that individuals could try to save themselves by accusing others or by confessing to witchcraft in the hope of receiving a lesser sentence; however, actual historical records about Sarah Good specifically do not indicate that she took such measures.