For centuries, humans have utilized defense mechanisms to explain the unfortunate occurrences of humanity that we are incapable of conceiving through our narrow, defensive minds. Humans most commonly scapegoat their enemies, or the entirely innocent, for their internal issues as a means of coping for their insecurities or explaining the irrational or biased situations they find themselves in. Similarly, others cope just as easily by lying to themselves, which can establish a false reality in the mind of the self-deceiver and, ultimately, leads to fallacies in logic. Coherently, Arthur Miller utilizes his diverse cast of characters in his play write “The Crucible” to demonstrate the ease at which lying to one’s self can create false …show more content…
Elizabeth’s passive aggression constitutes Danforth’s denial, therefore demonstrating human hypocrisy. Judge Danforth, a theocratic representative of God, similar to Proctor, recognizes he is at fault for the fate of many innocent people. However, being a representative of God and giving arrested so many, Danforth concludes that he cannot be wrong, despite his knowledge that the children are lying, which unmistakably proves his denial. During Act III, in the courthouse, Danforth tells Proctor, “Indeed not, but it strike hard upon me that she would dare come here with such a tale. Now, Mr. Proctor, before I decide whether I shall hear you or not, it is my duty to tell you this. We burn a hot fire in here; it melts down all concealment” (Miller 89). In addition to the quote being a metaphorical reference to a literal crucible, which melts ores until they become pure and exposed metals, free of impurities, Danforth’s quote simultaneously suggests his inability to conceive the concept that the children are fake, a truth revealed to him after his sentencing of many innocent people with no evidence. Danforth, unable to decide between attempting to maintain his personal ethos or pardoning those he knows are innocent, demonstrates his denial. However, Danforth, being well aware of his mistake, is prevented by
A crucible is a container which is heated to separate impurities mainly from metals and sometimes other substances. Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, takes place in a quiet Massachusetts town known as Salem. Rumors of witchcraft, however have unfortunately left the townspeople susceptible to blame one another. A quiet town virtually turned in a mad haven for blame, revenge, and dark satisfaction overnight. The reader witnesses all of these events unfold as they delve into the story of The Crucible and reveal how revenge reveals the motives of many characters.
he mood and situtation that he was in. At the end (Act ]I[) John Proctor was
Hook: Crucible is a book filled with mistakes and the outcomes of those mistakes. Every single action that a person commits leads to either a positive or a negative consequence, and this piece of literature provides readers with an opportunity to analyze some causes and effects.
The Crucible Film The Crucible; an intensely emotional and dramatic film based on the horrific story of the Salem witch trials. The opening and concluding sequences are of great importance in conjuring the melancholy atmosphere present throughout the story. The director uses various different devices to achieve this.
The Crucible is a complex and intriguing novel with events, characters and themes comparable to almost every period of human history. It is common for humans to fear change and what is unknown, in the play The Crucible this is witchcraft and the devil, in more recent times it can be seen in post World War Two and Cold War United States, through McCarthyism. The themes in the crucible are as important to people in the 21st century as in Salem in 1692. These include justice, reputation, hysteria, intolerance and empowerment. All of these are common themes throughout human history. The characters in The Crucible are also important to people of the 21st century as they can teach us a little bit about people around us and their reactions when
In 1952 a play was written by Arthur Miller, about events that happened in Salem in 1692. The play was about affairs, accusations, and innocent people being accused of witches. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Abigail and Mary Warren are introduced as two separate people. Although people might see Abigail and Mary Warren as two separate people and nothing alike, they are more alike than meet's the eye. Abigail and Mary Warren have three things in common; they are both are deceitful, they both dishonest, and they are both apprehensive.
pull it down and so denounce God and place a whore in God’s place is
In this passage the truth is not always what it seems. In 1953, Authur Miller’s The Crucible was first performed on Broadway. At this time a witch hunt for communist, was called McCarthyism was in full affect.What are the Parallels?The Crucible parallels effected McCarthyism in three significant ways: naming names, lack of proof and resistance.
It was a bright cold day in Salem, where the sun seeped through overcast skies above and the mist danced around in the street. The wind hissed and howled, and swept through the narrow streets. In the centre of the town, stood the proud house of Reverend Parris. But that day, Reverend Parris was not a proud man as the accusations of witchcraft drifted through the town, overwhelming him completely.
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” ( Dr. Seuss) “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” (Psalm 23:4) “God has given you one face, and you make yourself another.” (William Shakespeare) These quotes, found throughout many different time periods of history, all say the same: “Be who you are and don’t let anything change that.” These are great words to live by, but, in time of weakness, does one stay true? Can even the good be twisted? This is a theme that is represented throughout The Crucible many times. Characters such as Elizabeth Proctor, John Proctor, and Reverend Hale had good intentions
The Crucible was a very emotional book in terms of plot. The plot was about a girl named Abigail who accuses many people of witchcraft. She also accuses Elizabeth Proctor, wife of John Proctor. Abigail uses her power of the court to get to her obsession, John Proctor, by trying to eliminate Elizabeth. She is unsuccessful in getting this done and ends up executing over twelve people including John Proctor. It is great to see all the different kinds of characterization and themes. This story really gets you thinking about many things, such as, lying and telling the truth, or most importantly, standing up for your beliefs even if you have to die for them. It also shows how envy, greed, hate, and jealousy can impact
The Crucible was based in 1692 in and around the town of Salem, Massachusetts, USA. The Salem witch-hunt was view as one of the strangest and most horrendous chapters in the human history. People that were prosecuted were all innocent and their deaths were all due to false accusation of people’s ridiculous belief in superstition and their paranoia. The Puritans in those times were very strict in personal habits and morality; swearing, drunkenness and gambling would be punished. The people of Salem believed in the devil and thought that witchcraft should be hunted out.
Proctor. For the first and only time in the play we see Abigail as her
One of the many works written and driven by Puritan influence, The Crucible by Arthur Miller has continued to influence life and thinkings. Its story tracing the 1692 Salem Witch Trials has been widely read, received and understood, along with influencing the reader and their ideals. The play has manifested into more than words on a page and has become of the greatest influences, even sixty years after its publication. Though its story has not changed and is merely a retelling of the original itself, its themes have greatly impacted its universal and enduring state.
Imagine the year is 1692. In a small Massachusetts town a culture of highly religious folk live in peace. Salem. It´s late January and the reverendś young niece Abigail and only daughter begin to act strangely. Rumors of witchcraft fly through town and fear runs rampant.In around a year 200 people are unjustifiably accused and 20 sentenced to capital punishment. Who is next? The strange widow down the road? The Coreys? In a time of obscured justice, line were crossed and innocent lives lost. In his breakthrough play, The Crucible, Arthur Miller spins a tale not far from the truth.Letting his readers explore a gruesome tale of blind hatred. In Arthur Miller's The Crucible, Abigail Williams embodies the wrongdoings of the Salem Witch Trials.