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Essay on Good and Evil in The Crucible by Arthur Miller

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In the past, every decade and every generation has had its momentous event that has shaped it and left a mark on its history. The 1600's were no different. In The Crucible, the author, Arthur Miller, demonstrates many examples of the complexity of “good” and “evil” in his characters. He does this through many characters, seen and unseen. The entire village bases its belief system on the conflict between Good vs. evil, or Satan vs. God. It may seem like evil is winning, as one innocent person after another is put to death. The towns people are mislabeling people as good or evil like Mary Warren, although they have very little evidence. Rebecca Nurse is an outstanding example of honesty, and a well-respected member of the …show more content…

"Against you? Against him and all authority! Why, then I must find it and join it. He does not mean that. He confessed it now! I mean it solemnly, Rebecca; I like not the smell of this "authority. " No, you cannot break charity with your minister. You are another kind, John. Clasp his hand, make your peace." (27-28) She is an example of strength and resolve for those who choose not to confess, even though it means going to their death. Although the audience is aware that the categories of “good” and “evil” have gotten terribly mixed up in this play, Mary is faced with a life or death situation: if she does what is really “good” she will die by those who hold the power and declare it “not good;” whereas if she does what is wrong, she ends up lying. "Mary, tell the Governor what they- when, seeing him coming for her, she rushes out of his reach, screaming in horror. Don't touch me-don't touch me! I'll not hang with you! I love God, I love God. He bid you do the Devil's work? He come at me by night and every day to sign, to sign, to- Sign what? The Devil's book? He come with a book? My name, he want my name. "I'll murder you," he says, "if my wife hangs! We must go and overthrow the court," he says! Mr. Hale! I love God, I bless God. Sobbing, she rushes to Abigail. Abby, Abby, I'll never hurt you no more. What are you? Proctor is beyond speech in his anger. You are combined with

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