In The Crucible, why are the townspeople of Salem scared to leave their houses?I just need some more ideas for my essay! I it stated in the book?...

In the play, there are many characters who demonstrate
their fear and paranoia. Partly there is a belief that there is an evil presence in the
village; but also, it's obvious the villagers are turning on one another. By staying out
of the public eye, the people of Salem may have been able to prevent being accused by
their neighbors. Speaking out against the superstitious beliefs in witchcraft, or
against the unjust proceedings of the court, was clearly a fast track to prison or the
gallows, as John Proctor's sentence illustrates. Going along with the status quo, as
Mary Warren tries to do, means one can be protected from the gang mentality of the young
girls who accused their community of witchcraft.