Beliefs

Sometimes different people have different interpretations of historical events. Sometimes, though, different people will have the same interepretaions for completely different reasons. For example, in class, we are reading the Crucible by Arthur Miller. When Betty is ailed with an unknown sickness, witchcraft is a common cause believed by the villagers. However each of them believes this, or at least suggests this for their own personal reasons. Putnam has a grudge against Parris because of previous unrelated unfortunate events that affected his brother-in-law. Abigail and Betty accuse others of witchcraft to get attention, and to get rid of people that they possibly do not like. Tituba admits to witchcraft simply out of fear. This leads me to wonder if people believe in their own "opinions", or if they just support these views for personal gain.