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Principles Of Life : The Crucible And The Life You Save May Be Your Own

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Tyler Iacona Mrs. La Pierre English III 02 December 2015 Principles of Life True integrity manifests itself into those who have sought and successfully claimed redemption without fear. Such quality is demonstrated throughout the entirety of Arthur Miller 's, The Crucible, as Miller emphasizes that even the most kind-hearted people, could commit ruinous acts when involved with false accusations/hysteria. A complete contradiction is present in Flannery O’Connor’s “The Life You Save May Be Your Own” due to the lack of integrity and fear protagonist, Tom Shiftlet possesses. Throughout The Crucible and “The Life You Save May Be Your Own”, motifs of integrity, fear and lack of both are prevalent throughout the plot of the narrations and are used …show more content…

Tom swung his body forward, thrusting his, “short arm up slowly” as to indicate, “an expanse of sky and his figure formed a crooked cross" (O’Connor 1). Shiftlet’s unique opportunity at redemption is manifested by the crooked cross in his figure. As he deliberately planned what actions he was going to undertake next, Tom suddenly began to smile as it “stretched like a weary snake waking up by a fire" (O’Connor 6). This example of literary elements suggests that Tom is following the mindset of the devil, in contrast to his possibility at redemption. Tom’s immoral behavior or lack of integrity forces him to surrender himself to the devil and take over his thoughts as he abandons Lucynell at their local restaurant, Hot Spot. Supposedly to go on their honeymoon, Tom drives off with Lucynell, while her mother, hesitant of their departure, realizes both Tom and Lucynell will be back within a day or two. As Tom is driving, the weather had been cloudless and neighboring by “a pale blue sky”, thus indicating Tom’s last opportunity at redemption and to ponder his thoughts before making another move (O’Connor 8). But, after all Tom’s integrity was lacking as he abandons Lucynell at the diner, therefore he has lost all chances at redeeming his immoral behavior. This is personified by the weather as it begins to down pour and “drain every drop of from the earth before it

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