Puritans went to North America for religious freedom. Since they believed they were God chosen people, they had rules about everything to regulate their behavior. A good Christian should follow all rules in his whole life. But it did not happen in Salem, a Puritan community. Because of the fear of punishment and destroying good name, girls pretended being hurt by witches, Proctor was not able to tell the court Abigail was lying.
Girls were scared of the punishment of their dance, which came from Puritans’ rule. People in Salem were God chosen people, so they should follow certain rules——such as no dancing. Good reputation came from following those rules. However, the girls broke the rule. So, there was a huge pressure on the girls because their dance means they were not good Christians. When Parris told Hale the girls were found dancing in the wood, the girls had no way but to recognize the connection with witchcraft. But to avoid punishment, they imitated Abigail to be hurt by witchcraft and accused others witches. “I want to open myself! … I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the Devil; I saw him, I wrote in his book; I go back to Jesus; I kiss His hand. I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Goody Osburn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil!” (P10 , Act 1). Abigail admitted her guilt and then received trust by others. Everybody forgot the punishment of dancing in the wood. In stead, the idea of witchcraft made all people in Salem fear and feel pity for the girls. The girls became safe by accusing others and “purify” themselves with confession.
Proctor dared not to tell the court the truth because he was afraid that Abigail might uncover his affair with her. Abigail had affair with Proctor. It was adultery, one sin in Ten Commandment. Proctor’s behavior was largely influenced by it because he was afraid that Abigail would talk about his affair in court. In Act2, when Elizabeth said that Abigail was coming for her life,