1. Social Pressure and Group Dynamics: The Puritan society in Salem is highly governed by social norms, religious beliefs, and the fear of deviation. Tituba and Sarah Good belong to marginalized groups within the community - Tituba as an enslaved woman of color, and Sarah Good as a poor, elderly woman. The social pressure to conform and avoid being ostracized or punished can drive individuals to confess even when they are innocent.
2. Interpersonal Conflicts: Tituba and Sarah Good have personal conflicts and rivalries within the community. For instance, Abigail Williams, a young woman whose accusations trigger the witch trials, has previously had disputes with Tituba. Some confessions might have been made in an attempt to shift the blame or seek revenge against personal adversaries.
3. Religious Convictions: The Puritan belief in the literal existence of witchcraft creates an environment where individuals are highly suggestible and susceptible to irrational fears. The accused, including Tituba and Sarah Good, may have internalized these beliefs and genuinely feared being in league with the devil or practicing black magic.
4. Manipulation by Authority Figures: The judges presiding over the witch trials, such as Danforth and Hathorne, wield significant power and influence. Their methods of interrogation and extracting confessions might have been coercive or leading in a way that made it difficult for the accused to resist.
5. Desire for Protection: Confessing to witchcraft might have been seen as a way to gain protection or leniency from the court. By admitting guilt and repenting, individuals could potentially avoid the severe punishment associated with witchcraft, such as public shaming, imprisonment, or even execution.
6. Limited Legal Recourse: The legal system during the Salem witch trials was flawed and lacked due process. Without proper legal representation or a fair chance to defend themselves, Tituba and Sarah Good may have felt compelled to confess simply because they had little choice.
It's important to remember that the confessions made during the Salem witch trials were often unreliable, coerced, or based on false accusations. The play sheds light on the dangers of mass hysteria, prejudice, and the abuse of power in society.