Question

mike kubic is a former correspondent of newsweek magazine. in this article, kubic discusses the causes and effects of the salem witch trials and the prevalence of prejudice - fueled hunts throughout our history. kubic connects these seemingly unrelated tragedies in a way that reveals a dark side of human nature.
as you read, take notes on the causes of each historical \hunt\ and the consequences that follow.
1 \i saw sarah good with the devil!
i saw goody osburn with the devil!
i saw bridget bishop with the devil!\
the speaker is abigail williams, niece of reverend samuel parris, in act i of arthur millers classic play the crucible. this character is based on the historical figure of the same name. abigail, along with her cousin betty, accused citizens of salem of being witches. the young girls claimed that they were being attacked by these men and women who had made a pact with the devil.
5 the charges by these youngsters spread like wildfire, and in the spring of 1692, they launched a terrifying wave of hysteria. the salem witch trials that followed are the subject of millers play. a harrowing example of iniquity and unreason, the tragic proceedings have become synonymous with justice gone mad. in less than a year, over 200 individuals were accused of witchcraft, 20 of whom were executed.
guiding questions
question 1 of 9
how did the salem witch trials begin?
a a couple of young girls accused others of witchcraft.
b the town of salem fell ill under a mysterious illness.
c the reverend of salem saw witches dancing in the woods.
d a fire broke out in salem caused by disgruntled witches.

Explanation:

The text states that Abigail Williams and her cousin Betty accused citizens of Salem of being witches, starting the hysteria.

Answer:

A. A couple of young girls accused others of witchcraft.