Association with Abigail Williams: Abigail Williams, one of the main accusers in the trials, had been a servant in the Proctor household. Her dismissal from their employment and subsequent accusations of witchcraft against Elizabeth Proctor created suspicion and resentment towards the Proctors.
Reputation: John Proctor had a reputation for independence and outspokenness, which made him a target for accusations. His refusal to blindly follow the prevailing beliefs of the community and his skepticism about the witchcraft accusations raised concerns among the court and the townspeople.
Personal Feuds: The Proctors had personal conflicts with some of the other accusers and members of the court. These conflicts, such as land disputes and disagreements, may have influenced the willingness of these individuals to testify against the Proctors.
Social Standing: The Proctors belonged to a lower social class compared to many of the accusers and judges. This social hierarchy often resulted in prejudice and discrimination, making it easier for the court to doubt and dismiss the Proctors' testimonies.
Lack of Concrete Evidence: Despite the accusations, there was no substantial evidence to directly link Elizabeth and John Proctor to witchcraft. The court relied heavily on spectral evidence (visions and dreams) and the testimonies of accusers, which were deemed unreliable and subjective.
Dissent against the Court: The Proctors' questioning of the court's authority and their defense of accused individuals further fueled the court's distrust towards them. Their actions were seen as a challenge to the established power structures and beliefs.
The combination of these factors contributed to the court's distrust of Elizabeth and John Proctor, making them vulnerable to accusations and leading to their eventual downfall during the Salem witch trials.