A play in four Acts by Arthur Miller, Bantam Books, New York, 1959.
This is the classic play about the Salem witch trials. It was a really bad time, as after the local officials gave the investigation over to the courts, they lost all control over what was going on. You add to that a teenage girl who has lots of power based on what she says, and she has girls mimicking anything she does, adding strength to her testimony. Those who want to correct the situation, are only accused themselves, as the teen, Abigail, is able to fake attacks by the spirit of others in an uncanny fashion. She is able to convince the court authorities and that is what counts. then those accused are in a precarious situation. Admit your guilt, and you are not hung. Refuse to confess and the devil still has you and you are hung. Over 100 people confess. Something like 12 were hung. What a bind. I was hanging on every word there at the end. This is a classic. I actually saw this with my dad at Utah State when I was high school age.
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