“Hysteria (noun) - exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement, especially among a group of people. Otherwise known as a psychological disorder whose symptoms include the conversion of psychological stress into selective amnesia, shallow and volatile emotions, and overly dramatic or attention-seeking behavior. The term has a controversial history as in the past it was considered a disease specific to women. (Oxford Dictionary). Over the years, human nature itself has often been considered the root of hysteria. The greatest examples of the effects caused by hysteria by human nature are the Salem witch trials in 1692. This historical period is described in The Crucible, Arthur Miller's allegorical work about the events in Salem, Massachusetts 1692. Human nature makes hysteria possible through group dynamics and social hierarchy. Hysteria is the main reason for the witch trials and the fall of Salem in The Crucible. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Starting off, human nature is the natural behavior and characteristics that humans tend to have, such as how people act, think, or feel emotionally. Group dynamics play a key role in human nature, and therefore in hysteria. Similar to the phrase “misery loves company,” people often feel comfort if they know that more people are emotionally feeling or behaving the same way they are, regardless of whether these emotions are genuine or superficial. Hysteria can be represented in the same way. Another example of the group dynamics of human nature occurs commonly in my school, such as when a student begins to verbally and physically express their stress and worry during an exam. Eventually, the anxiety begins to spread among the other students, and soon many students begin to panic when they realize that everyone else is panicking. Typically, this allows them to feel less alone and not have only themselves to blame if everyone also feels unprepared. So, as human beings, if a person continues to suspect that someone is a witch, it is possible that more people will join together to prevent the feeling of loneliness and isolation in thinking. This is how mass hysteria forms within a community. As shown in The Crucible, the town started to believe the girl group because people start to believe if there are more citizens who believe the same thing. “There is a nebulous conspiracy at work so subtle that we should be criminals if we cling to old respects and old friendships. I have seen too much frightening evidence in court: the Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not hesitate to follow him wherever he points his accusing finger! (Reverend Hale, Act 2, p. 68) Reverend Hale describes how the mentality of Salem's citizens has been virtually brainwashed due to widespread hysteria. Therefore, mass groups who believe the same thing allow human nature to inflict hysteria among communities. Furthermore, human nature is influenced by social hierarchy and reputation within a civilization group. “The sheer force and power of group dynamics tends to take over and people become overwhelmed by the symptoms of the mob. The social hierarchy of the group may also play a role in the spread of symptoms. If the “popular” girls pass out first, the less popular ones will likely follow suit.” Human beings naturally believe that if they act or relate to “those at the top of the social ladder” they will be treated kindly.