Table of ContentsIntroductionBelief in Spectral EvidenceAbigail Williams' Handling of SuperstitionBelief in the SupernaturalSuperstitious Rituals and PracticesSuperstition Surrounding Religious Rituals and SymbolsThe Influence of Superstition on Beliefs and PerceptionsConclusionIntroductionIn Arthur's Play Miller, The Crucible, superstition plays a crucial role in the lives of the characters. Set in the Puritan society of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, the play explores the hysteria surrounding the Salem witch trials. Superstition, defined as a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or reliance on magic or chance, permeates the lives of the characters, directing their actions and shaping their beliefs. This essay will examine several examples of superstition in The Crucible, highlighting the profound impact it has on the characters and their society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Belief in Spectral Evidence A striking example of superstition in the play is the belief in spectral evidence. Spectral evidence refers to the testimony of witnesses who claimed to have seen the spirits or apparitions of accused witches engaging in malicious acts. This type of evidence was considered very convincing by the court, despite the lack of hard evidence or scientific basis. The characters' belief in spectral evidence demonstrates their reliance on superstition rather than reason and logic. Abigail Williams' Manipulation of Superstition The character of Abigail Williams, the main instigator of the witch trials, manipulates this superstition to her advantage. She accuses innocent individuals of witchcraft, citing spectral evidence to justify herself. Abigail's ability to exploit the community's superstitious beliefs reveals the power of superstition in fueling collective hysteria and irrational behavior. Belief in the Supernatural Another example of superstition in The Crucible is belief in the supernatural. Many characters, driven by their fear and ignorance, attribute natural events or misfortunes to supernatural causes. For example, after Betty Parris falls into a near-coma state, her father, Reverend Parris, immediately assumes that she has been possessed by the devil. This belief in the supernatural leads to paranoia and a witch-hunt mentality among the townspeople. Superstitious Rituals and Practices Additionally, the characters in the play often resort to superstitious rituals and practices in an attempt to protect themselves from witchcraft. In the first act, Tituba, a slave from Barbados, is asked by Reverend Parris to reveal the name of the person responsible for bewitching the girls. In her desperation, Tituba confesses to being a witch and accuses others, engaging in a superstitious ritual aimed at appeasing the authorities and avoiding punishment. Superstition surrounding religious rituals and symbols The play also explores the superstition surrounding religious rituals and symbols. In Salem's Puritan society, religious symbols such as the Bible and prayer held great importance. However, these symbols are often misinterpreted or misused, leading to misguided actions and false accusations. For example, when Mary Warren gives Elizabeth Proctor a doll (a doll) as a gift, it becomes a crucial piece of evidence against Elizabeth when a needle is found in it. The needle is considered a sign of witchcraft, despite its innocent origins. This demonstrates how the.