In Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible, an example of spectral evidence is the claim made by Abigail Williams and other girls that they can see the spirits of the accused witches during the trial. One notable instance occurs when the girls pretend to be afflicted by the presence of the spirit of Elizabeth Proctor, accusing her of sending her spirit to harm them.
Abigail states, ‘I want to open myself!… I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus!… I saw Sarah Good with the Devil!’ This declaration leads to the court taking her words seriously, despite the lack of tangible evidence. The judges accept their testimonies as valid, based solely on the girls’ assertions of seeing these spectral appearances, which emphasizes the hysteria and irrationality of the Salem witch trials.
This use of spectral evidence illustrates how fear and manipulation can lead to devastating consequences, as it allows individuals to accuse others without any concrete proof, ultimately leading to the wrongful imprisonment and execution of innocent people.