If a person admitted to being a witch in this context, what was the likely outcome?

In the context of "The Crucible," if a person admitted to being a witch, the likely outcome was that their life would be spared. This situation reflects the historical vantage point of the Salem witch trials, where confessing to witchcraft was often seen as a means of avoiding the death penalty. Many people who confessed were able to elude execution because their admission was viewed as a sign of remorse and willingness to repent.

By confessing, individuals could align themselves with the court’s objectives, thus avoiding the harsher penalties that were meted out to those who denied the charges or vehemently defended their innocence. This practice of sparing those who confessed to witchcraft illustrates the theme of survival and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters throughout the play. The fear of being accused often led to false confessions, reflecting the pervasive atmosphere of hysteria and the desire to escape the dire consequences associated with the trials.