17 things that would get you accused of witchcraft in 1692

[REP]

7. This was an unpopular pastor using his daughter's boredom to create a crisis he could solve

Parris's daughter and her friends were the first 'afflicted' - bored children, one exhibiting the cruelty of her uncle, acting out for attention - and instead of being told to stop it, Parris saw an opportunity to gain status. Others quickly saw a way to get even with people they didn't like - accusations against the rich, connected and/or well-liked were quickly recanted - under the guise of religion and then the killing began.

As outsiders became involved (including Cotton Mather), it became increasingly clear what was really going on, and shame set in, even among the accusers. One of the first accusers gave an eloquent apology to the town; the "we walked in clouds" speech given by another is well-known.

That to me is as shocking as the wiling carnage inflicted on neighbors by neighbors: how quickly they admitted to what they had done.