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The Crucible : Hunger For Power And Respect During The Trials

Decent Essays

The phrase “Salem Witch Trials” conjures images of death, misguided power, and superstition. By the end of the trials, the death toll included: nineteen people hanged, one pressed to death, and seven dead in prison, not to mention the havoc wrought on the lives of hundreds of citizens of Salem. The Crucible embodies the theme of hunger for power and respect during the trials. Throughout history, most cultures have favored the power of men over women. This proves no exception in 17th century Salem. The deprivation of any power from women and girls in Salem in the 1600s made gaining authority and respect from men a primary goal. Women, seen as minorities, cared for the children and completed household chores without help. Prevailing culture groomed young girls into submissiveness and a strict code of conduct. In The Crucible, craving a higher status resulted in mass hysteria and the constant accusations of various supposed witches. By accusing others of witchcraft, the girls in this story felt a sense of control that they never experienced before. Once the girls saw how their actions shocked and frightened the community, they immediately lusted for more. Girls found the sense of power absolutely addicting. Several of the women and girls in The Crucible exhibit these actions, prominently Abigail Williams. The Crucible is a tale taking place in 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts. In the story, Reverend Parris witnesses a group of girls performing a mysterious ritual in

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