Does someone afflict you, child? It need not be a woman, mind you, or a man. Perhaps some bird invisible to others comes to you – perhaps a pig, a mouse, or any beast at all. Is there some figure bids you fly?
– Arthur Miller
The Crucible, Act 1. Hale questions Betty, described as limp in his hands, about what manner of beast has afflicted her. With his animal imagery and talk of possession, he leads the community towards more hysteria and paranoia.