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"But witchcraft is ipso facto, on its face and by its nature, an invisible crime, is it not? Therefore, who may possibly be witness to it? The witch and the victim. None other."(100)

This quote emphasizes the insidious nature of witchcraft and relates to the eminent themes of lying and side taking portrayed throughout the play. This quote makes the point that witchcraft may not be witnessed by anyone, except for the accused witch and the victim. Throughout the play so far, the authority has seemed to be taking one side. It is stated throughout the play that those in charge have been given the divine mission of purging the devil and his allies from Salem. In that sense, this quote leaves very much room for doubt. Assuming that it is in fact true, this quote is saying that anyone considered a victim of witchcraft has the ultimate say. When any evidence that is against the side not in favor is issued, often times, they are accused and implicated in every way for atrocities never committed. Again, if the alleged victim happens to be of a deceptive type, this could be very unfortunate for those not in favor. While in favor, it is possible for any person to make up any kind of lie, and to have others believe them, no matter how outrageous the claims. Building off the point made earlier that the judges were on a divine mission, the judges have claimed that God expels the life out of anyone who gives any false utterances. If the judges were not so naïve, they would be able to realize that those of whom the thought they could trust are playing them for fools. If these trials are bent on irradicating falsity,
surely these trials are not being held very much on God's favor, since the devil's tactic of lying is being used in God's "defense."

This being the case, what kinds of people were being accused of witchcraft during this time?

"Your Honor, I freeze!"
"They're pretending!"
"She is cold, Your Honor, touch her!"
"Mary, do you send this shadow on me?"
"Lord, save me!"(108-109)

This quote again touches on the theme of lying. Yet, in this case, it is more concealed, namely through cooperation. This is an interesting case, as one can clearly see a collaborative effort to bring shame upon a witch. Among the few who were acting out these antics were Abigail and Mercy. As the events of the play have unfolded, one may get the impression that they are of the designated few who seem to be trusted by the authority. Upon scanning the few lines before this particular selection, it is tangible that Abigail merely made up this situation on the spot. Relating this to the previous quote, it seems that Abigail and Mercy are the victims in this case, and Mary is definitely the "witch." That is unfortunate for Mary, since she is aware that in her position, anything could be taken as evidence, especially if taken from reliable sources. In the lines following this selection, it can be seen that Danforth, the administer of the whole situation, believes in those doing the acting. That is a shame, since again, the one who is supposed to be defending God is giving in to devilish lies. Danforth should know better than to straight up believe in this bombast. Salem was considered to be a liberal place. As such, Danforth must be more liberal and look more closely at the whole situation for any possible faults, as he does not want to be possibly sentencing the innocent of whom God relishes.

In what way might such collaboration be so deadly?