In Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, characters are consumed by hysteria and paranoia as they accuse each other of practicing witchcraft. In this chaotic atmosphere, Mrs. Putnam emerges as a character who constantly blames witchcraft for the misfortunes that have befallen her family. This essay will explore the reasons behind Mrs. Putnam's inclination to blame witchcraft by examining her personal experiences and motivations. Ultimately, it will be argued that Mrs. Putnam's unshakable belief in the supernatural allows her to shift the blame for her own misfortunes onto others, contributing to the play's escalation of accusations and tragedies. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayMrs. Putnam's guilt for witchcraft stems from his personal losses, particularly the deaths of his seven children. Throughout the play he mentions this tragedy several times, attributing their deaths to supernatural causes. For example, he states, "I wouldn't call him sick; the devil's touch is heavier than the sick" (Miller 25). This quote highlights how Mrs. Putnam rationalizes her children's deaths as the work of the Devil, rather than considering other possibilities. Blaming witchcraft, she attempts to find a reason for her pain, offering her some semblance of control over the situation. In addition to her personal losses, Mrs. Putnam's guilt over witchcraft is fueled by her desire for revenge. He resents Rebecca Nurse, a respected and revered member of the community, who had many healthy children. Feeling envious and bitter, Mrs. Putnam believes that supernatural powers are responsible for Rebecca's good fortune. This resentment is evident when he says, "There are wheels within wheels in this village and fires within fires!" (Miller 39). Here, Mrs. Putnam implies that there are hidden forces at work, involving witchcraft, which she believes is responsible for her misfortunes. Her belief in supernatural powers allows her to justify her feelings of revenge and shift the blame onto others. Putnam's unshakable belief in witchcraft has a significant impact on the escalation of the accusations and the subsequent tragedy in Salem. Her constant accusation of witchcraft encourages others to follow suit, creating a domino effect of accusations. For example, when he insists that Betty's illness is due to witchcraft, other characters also begin to suspect supernatural involvement. This is evident when Mrs. Putnam states, "I wouldn't respond to an accusation like that; I would have you examined for an accusation like that!" (Miller 41). Mrs. Putnam's insistence on finding witches to blame spreads fear and paranoia throughout the community, leading to the trials and ensuing chaos. Putnam's relentless guilt over witchcraft contributes to the tragic outcomes of The Crucible. The charges and trials resulting from his beliefs lead to the unjust executions of innocent individuals. Furthermore, community is torn apart, friendships destroyed, and trust shattered. Miller uses the character of Mrs. Putnam to illustrate the dangers of uncontrolled guilt and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and society as a whole. In The Crucible, Mrs. Putnam plays a significant role in perpetuating the guilt of witchcraft. His personal losses, desire for revenge, and unshakable belief in supernatural powers contribute to his penchant for blaming others. Through her actions and influence, Mrs. Putnam fuels the hysteria and paranoia that ultimately leads, 2016.