During the Great Plague of London in 1665, which killed an estimated 100,000 people, widespread fear led to the scapegoating of the poor, foreigners, and marginalized groups. The panic was fueled by rumors of poisoners and spreaders of the disease, leading to the persecution of innocent people. The event, while a public health crisis, also demonstrated how fear and ignorance can lead to social fragmentation and violence against vulnerable communities.

The Great Plague of London has been a recurring theme in English literature, from Daniel Defoe's 'A Journal of the Plague Year' to modern poetry that examines the intersection of disease, fear, and social inequality. The scapegoating of the poor and marginalized during the outbreak has inspired writers to explore the dynamics of fear and prejudice in times of crisis. The event remains a powerful symbol of the fragility of social order and the human capacity for cruelty in the face of disaster.