Examples Of Mass Hysteria In The Crucible

“Even in an enlightened democracy, the media have to check themselves to make sure they are not contributing to an unnecessary mass hysteria” (Brainyquote). Even the most sophisticated governments can lead the public into a state of hysteria. Often times when people become hysterical, others take that opportunity to obtain power for their personal benefit. In history and Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, public hysteria was exploited in order to obtain and manipulate power for personal gain.

Although not written by Miller, the introductory information for The Crucible establishes his credibility. An editor of Prentice Hall Literature informs the audience of Miller’s knowledge of the subject, “Arthur Miller has chronicled the dilemmas of common people pitted against powerful and unyielding social forces” (Kinsella 1230). The editor verifies Miller’s expertise and past work on other pieces focused on social issues such as All My Sons and Death of a Salesman. Additionally, the background information reveals that Miller based the play off a real historical event. Therefore, the play serves as a convincing example of real life social pressures and the resulting consequences that helps to prove Miller’s argument. While experiencing the play, a personal connection can be formed between John Proctor and audience members who have also experienced persecution. The ability to connect with the character allows the audience to empathize with the argument and consequently be more likely to be convinced by it.

Arthur Miller Uses hysteria to show and explain why it leads to damaging people's reputations, Lying to save oneself, And could potentially cost someone's

“The little crazy children are jangling the keys to the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law now.” In Arthur Miller’s dramatic tragedy, “The Crucible”, he examines how mass hysteria has effected people throughout the ages, with the idea that one accusation can change a life instantly. Mass hysteria led to the tragic events of The Crucible because the power and leadership that comes with making accusations can have a dramatic impact on a community. The story also illustrates how people would rather kill others than get killed themselves.

“There is a misty plot afoot so subtle we should be criminal to cling to old respects and ancient friendships. I have seen too many frightful proofs in court-the Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points!” (Hale, Act 2, p. 68) Throughout the book by Arthur Miller known as, “The Crucible”, there are numerous examples of thematic writing and hidden meanings to the words on the pages. Some of these themes include vengeance, fear, emotion vs. reasoning and many more. One theme, however, shines above all others within the piece, that of hysteria.

Colonists believed that their fellow friends and family were dancing with the Devil, so they became mentally indifferent. People today struggle to accept others for their choices even though freedom is a right. When the community stresses over current events that is called mass disruption (“A case of Mass hysteria”). It is seen today in many places especially protests including refusing to stand during the National Anthem. In Arthur Miller’s, The Crucible, mass hysteria is represented in both the Salem Witch Trials and today when professional athletes kneel in protest.

Hysteria an uncontrollable outburst of emotion or fear “An old dream with a shiny new veneer. It's fascinating, you know, how an obsolete madness is sometimes adopted and stylized in an attempt to ghoulishly preserve it. These are the days of second-hand fantasies and antiquated hysteria” (Thomas Ligotti, The Nightmare Factory). Mass hysteria, through superstitions and false accusations, creates uncontrollable fear and animosity in a close community. The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, discusses the events that transpire in Salem, Massachusetts during the chaotic times. Mass hysteria plays an important role in the play The Crucible because the nature of hysteria causes chaos and mask the truth.

In the crucible by Arthur Miller the theme of mass hysteria is relevent in this 21st century because of the Isis attack causing people to discriminate,blame,and distrust all acoss the world. In the Crucible it gives us an example of what is happening when mass hysteria is present. In the Crucible people in the village start to blame eachother of witchcraft yet not knowing who really does witchcraft. In todays events it is no different.

Dajah R - The Crucible “I speak my own sins; I cannot judge another. I have no tongue for it.” Every human being will sin, but it is not our place to judge or criticize. Many morals and sinful actions were displayed during, the scene that later on meant something. In the play, “The Crucible”, written by Author Miller the thematic significances of the title of the play reveal Mass Hysteria, Guilt with No Evidence, and Dangers of Empowerment.

Supernatural and mass hysteria both were influenced in “ The crucible “ example of the supernatural on page 10 in the book it says , "I saw Tituba waving her arms over the fire when I went ahead you". He saw everything that occurred in the forested areas that time . After that day Betty would not wake up, or she would have her eyes open yet would not talk or walk. Many people trust that it's witchcraft, Mrs. Putnam trusts that Tituba killed her seven conceived babies and that Tituba can likewise address the dead. Mrs. Putnam is an extremely solid devotee of witchcraft. Her little girl, Ruth Putnam is additionally exceptionally debilitated she has an indistinguishable manifestation from Betty Mrs. Putnam thinks Ruth was near addressing her dead sisters. Abby censures Tituba for influencing the young ladies to drink chicken blood, Tituba admits it. She likewise blamed Tituba for making her snicker at petitions. Tituba blames Abby for influencing her to invoke and beguile. Robust debilitates Tituba in the event that she doesn't admit witchcraft or calling the demon. Tituba admits and says that she sees Sarah Great accompany the villain" circling and carrying on". She additionally says that the demon charges her to slaughter Parris and he will make her free and send her back to Barbados. Abby not so long after she admits her moving for the fallen angel, writing in his book. Betty wakes up and begins naming people she sang with the fiend. John Delegate returns home one night

Though many may think it an action or emotion, hysteria is considered a psychological disorder that first was only diagnosed in women (“Women and Hysteria in the History of Mental Health” n.pag.). A person with hysteria may be described as being in a possessive state and having little to no control over their actions or emotions. This troubling state of mind is clearly portrayed through characters in Arthur Miller's play The Crucible. During the 1950’s when McCarthyism was causing havoc, Miller, being accused himself, decided to write The Crucible in hopes to illustrate how America was repeating its own terrible history. Similarly, the hysterical mindsets of the Salem Witch Trials carried over to modern day Jordan, Minnesota where numerous parents were arrested for allegedly abusing their children during the Jordan Sex Scandal. As demonstrated by both The Crucible and The Jordan Sex Scandal, when hysteria breaks out in a community it causes the government to ignore basic rights of the people, ultimately corrupting justice.

In 1692 the people of Salem, Massachusetts underwent a phenomenon we now call today the Salem witch trials. Many believed this was an act of mass hysteria or pure fear. Mass hysteria is a way to relay transmitted illusions, of real or imaginary threats through society. While, Fear is an uneasy mix of emotions caused by thinking that someone or something is harmful, More likely to cause pain than satisfaction, or a threat. Mass hysteria and fear contributed in both “Why I Wrote The Crucible” and “Salem Town and Salem Village” in numerous ways.

    Arthur Miller’s The Crucible gives an in-depth synopsis of the horrors that transpired in the quaint city of Salem, Massachusetts in the late 17th century. This play, although written over half a century ago, is still read in most schools and offers important lessons due to the many possible themes it embodies. Many of these themes are still valuable today because of the timeless truths they hold. The subject matter most prevalent in this drama, is mass hysteria and how harmful it can be to a town, city, or even country. Since this play was written, there has been a multitude of other examples of mass hysteria, making this theme and book just as relevant currently as they were back then.

First, Humans cease to surprise their own species. Arthur Miller seemed to think so as well, so much so in fact that he decided to write The Crucible. It is easily seen that he did not write this fictional Salem story just to make a money but to send the world a message, something bigger then the event that it is based on. The Salem Witch Trials were not the first and last witch hunt humanity has had since the earth came to be. There is something, however, that seems to have been hiding in that fact, given that no one has appeared to have not written about it. It gives the idea that mass hysteria and genocide in, e.g. The Crucible, plays in a key role in explaining how humanity’s intellectual advantage does not necessarily make it more advanced. To be frank, humanity is unconsciously making decisions to help slow the process of true human progression. Humanity may not see it, but that does not mean that it is not possible.

Mass of Hysteria CrucibleIn the 1600s there was a small town name Salem. In the Crucible, Arthur Miller