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Similarities Between Apology Speech And The Crucible

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Both texts explicate the power of political and social injustices to drive individuals to pursue their own motivations.
Composers’ representations of the complex relationship between people and politics are influenced by various moral and social agendas, whereby a portrayal of reality and meaning is inherently subjective. Arthur Miller’s dramatic allegory “The Crucible” explores the political and social ramifications of the contentious ‘Cold War’ period in American history when the widespread fear of communism arose. Kevin Rudd’s political speech, “Apology Speech” delivered on the 13th of February 2008, also examines both the political and ethical consequences of colonial history and the impact of past events on people and politics. …show more content…

Rudd employs an array of literary devices to illustrate reparation and reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. His use of anaphora in “we reflect” and “a future” embeds the need for the Australian political system and also individuals of the Australian public to amend their views and values regarding Aboriginal society and disseminate empathy for the injustices of the past. In contrast to the Crucible, where fear and paranoia complement power and authority and are used as a means of marginalisation, Rudd’s uses his position of authority in order to unite and transform the values of Australian society.
The McCarthy tribunals saw rational thought give way to paranoia, as innocent citizens were victimised by a wave of intimidation and harassment. The rising tension at the end of every act in “The Crucible” reflects the repression of personal grievances and dominance of strict social hierarchies. The motif of darkness conveys Abigail’s desire for power and acceptance “I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and bring a pointy reckoning” manipulating societal fear to gain retribution against those who have wronged her. However, the denouement reveals Proctor’s preservation of his moral integrity at the cost of his name and reputation, ‘[he] tears the confession and crumples it...weeping in fury, but erect’ – as the stage

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