In "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," Barbara W. Tuchman discusses the widespread and often irrational fear of betrayal that permeated society during this tumultuous era. The phrase "Traitor!" echoed throughout, reflecting a collective anxiety where individuals struggled to comprehend the chaos around them. This cry symbolized a pervasive distrust, where any perceived deviation from the norm was met with accusations of treachery.

Tuchman illustrates how this sentiment was not isolated to specific regions or events; it resonated with a bewildered populace grappling with the uncertainties of their time. The notion of conspiracy and betrayal became a common narrative, as people sought to explain the inexplicable crises they faced. This enduring fear of being undermined or betrayed highlighted the fragility of social cohesion in the face of calamity.