The symbol of the poppet first appears innocent in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”, but takes a twisted turn that leads to the accusations and backstabbing of many in Salem. Much like the doll, the girls in Salem appear to be innocent at first, but become filled with malice as accusations begin to spread faster and faster. What was first an innocent little doll is now a symbol of evil and hate. Initially, the doll is given as a gift to Elizabeth, which is seen as a kind gesture with no malintentions. A child’s toy is hardly ever viewed as evil, but once a needle is found in both the doll and Abigail’s stomach, it is deemed evil. The poppet symbolizes how quick people can begin making false allegations, which ends up leading to mass hysteria
