In the Overture to Act 1, Miller writes: "...for danger was still a possibility, and in unity still lay the best

promise of safety. The edge of the wilderness was close by. The

American continent stretched endlessly west, and it was full of

mystery for them. It stood, dark and threatening, over their shoulders

night and day, for out of it Indian tribes marauded from time to time,

and Reverend Parris had parishioners who had lost relatives to these

heathen...the Salem folk believed that the virgin forest was the

Devil's last preserve, his home base and the citadel of his final

stand.

Fear of the Devil-and the unknown-plays a large role in Act 1. To

us, these characters may appear irrational, but they are gripped by

fear and their faith. Think about a time-in your life, in history, or in

current events—when fear has caused others to act irrationally.

Describe this time in detail, and connect it to what