Describe the lives of Salem's inhabitants in The Crucible.

Initially, people in Salem lived under very strict
protestant morals and rules.  Society was governed by religious sanctions and
expectations of behavior.  Women were expected to serve their husbands and worship their
Lord and God.  Men were expected to resist the temptations of the devil and provide for
their wives.

All of the decorum began to unwind when
allegations of witchcraft and devil worship emerged.  People became paranoid as
community members began to accuse others of the crimes against God.  As the situation
worsened neighbors betrayed neighbors and people with a grudge to bear lied against
their brethren.  Innocent people were arrested and put to death on
hear-say.

As a result, children were orphaned and farms
left unattended.  Cattle escaped and grazed for food where ever it could be
found.