I guess I willingly chose to pick up and read a book that my friends had tortured experiences with when they had to read and analyse and tirelessly write essays about it. I did not have to do that, but I think the removal of that circumstance makes me quite fascinated by the revelations and interactions between the Proctor, Abigail, Elizabeth, Mary, etc. By far, my favourite compotent is the thematic of religion, and the precedent set by a Christian court; how the smallest slights or misstep can precede one's supposed affiliation with demonic activity, hence, eternal damnation in the eyes of the law, a spokesperson for the overall religion. This excerpt encapsulates this:

"A political policy is equated with moral right, and opposition to it with diabolical malevolence. Once such an equation is effectively made, society becomes a congerie of plots and counterplots, and the main role of government changes from that of the arbiter to that of the scourge of God."

Otherwise, I gave this 3 stars because it did not impress me greatly. Obviously, ratings are personal, and this was relatively okay. I did not connect with the characters beyond the intrigue behind their hostilities, nor did I feel compelled by the accusations and court proceedings, so there's that. I'm very keen for a well constructed religious undertone in novels, which this delivered, and it was bland in other aspects.