Were you surprised when the accusations against specific individuals began to multiply?

The very nature of this Puritan society is fertile ground for accusations and hysteria so no, it doesn't surprise me. In a small village like Salem private squabbles and vendettas are settled through finger pointing and accusations of witchcraft. Putnam covets people's land; Abigail is out for Elizabeth Proctor....the list goes on. Once someone feels threatened, they need only threaten someone else to shift the blame.