The main problem with the witch-hunt is that people using persecution to benefit themselves corrupted the accusations. When people use a witch-hunt for personal gain the witch-hunt accomplishes exactly what it was trying to avoid, innocent people die, and the community is torn apart. This shows that using persecution is not a legitimate way for a community to be protected, according to Arthur Miller's The Crucible.

The reason that many witch-hunts are turned from accomplishing good is because people use the accusations as a way to get what they want. Abigail Williams uses her influence over the court to get Elizabeth Proctor accused. Early in the play we find that John and Abigail had an affair during the time in which Abigail worked as his wife's assistant. During a conversation between Abigail and Proctor, Abigail expresses her desire to be with Proctor when she says, "I am waitin'...