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Historical analysis of the salem witch trials
Historical analysis of the salem witch trials
Salem witch trials colonial america
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Danforth and Hale are involved in an argument over the Salem witch trials now that the court is now in session. Danforth gets angered and fiercely tries to imply (without proof) that the “fear” in the county is being caused by the witches and nothing more. According to Danforth, the goal of the witches is to overthrow the belief of Christ in Salem. Danforth’s use of words was a combination of all rhetorical devices. Logos was used to structure his argument, the vivid language led to the use of pathos, and lastly ethos was associated with his authority and confidence in yelling out the true “problem” in Salem. Danforth clearly states that he thinks the daughter was the “villain” and in his mind he is the hero for realizing that the use of witchcraft
In addition to that the common citizen often saw this in local news on a daily basis, increasing the prevalence of fear within citizens (“Red Scare”). This reasserts the presence of fear within the US during the time of the Red Scare, and because of this constant threat they see pushed by the people around them the more inclined they are to take unreasonable action such as turning on people within their community. Similarly in the town of Salem, as written by Arthur Miller’s crucible, Judge Danforth reveals the opinions of the court promoting the infallibility of the court. He touts an idea that if one is not aligned with the court they are then against it. The use of court to display this message is symbolic of the overall beliefs of the society displayed in the novel, as the court often represents the fundamental values within a society. In this moment Danforth reveals that true effect fear has on this society, the people within the town are so frightened, of the idea of witches they are able to place their values in a system that doesn't work or make sense within the town. The people of Salem unjustly give more power to the organization that is causing the problems, because they are scared of
Throughout The Crucible, Miller is concerned with conscience and guilt. Through the character Abigail Williams, he shows how people are willing to abandon their firmly-established values in order to conform with the majority and protect themselves. Those who refuse to part with their conscience, such as the character of John Proctor, are chastised for it. For this reason, the Salem witch trials raise a question of the administration of justice. During this time in the late 1600’s, people were peroccupied by a fear of the devil, due to their severe Puritan belief system. Nineteen innocent people are hanged on the signature of Deputy Governor Danforth, who has the authority to try, convict, and execute anyone he deems appropriate. However, we as readers sense little to no real malice in Danworth. Rather, ignorance and fear plague him. The mass
Vengeance plays a key role in causing the mass hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials. Abigail Williams, who?s probably most to blame for the trials, acts out of revenge. She and John Proctor have had an affair and when Elizabeth Proctor finds out, she throws Abigail out of their house. During the trials, Abigail is still in love with John Proctor and goes after Elizabeth out of vengeance. Elizabeth tries to explain this to John, who is in disbelief: she ?thinks to kill me, then to take my place? (61). Abigail?s main motive for destroying Elizabeth is revenge for being thrown out of the house and for having John Proctor, the man that she loves. Another character who seeks revenge is Mrs. Putnam, who has had seven children die shortly after childbirth and blames her midwife, who has many children. Rebecca Nurse is charged ?for the marvelous and supernatural murder of Goody Putnam?s babies? (71). The trials are an opportunity for Ann Putnam to seek vengeance against Rebecca for having healthy children and grandchild...
One’s greed for power blinds their sense of pity for humanity which creates chaos in society because of their ignorance. In the text Danforth explains to Francis Nurse, “But you must understand sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between” (Miller 94). In this quote Danforth explains to Nurse that a citizen of Salem cannot be against the court’s justice system: One must comply with its rules or else they will be counted as guilty. Danforth claims power over the people through the court and anyone who does not obey his demands will be persecuted which shows that this trial is for himself and not for the town. For the sake of his power, Danforth apprehends innocent individuals who are not compliant thus foreshadowing the misfortunes of uninvolved people who are suspects. Without knowing, Danforth intends to create a disorder in society because of his need for more control, which justifies his inexperience and his abuse of authority. Danforth also tells Nurse, “And do you know that near to four hundred are in the jails from marble head to Lynn, and upon my signature? […] And seventy-two condemned to hang by that signature?” (Miller 87). Here Danforth attempts to intimidate Nurse by bragging with h...
Parris and Danforth prioritize their reputations over John Proctor’s actual life. Hale does not care about his good name, but about the lives of the people in Salem and his guilt for partaking in the trials. Like Proctor, Parris, Hale, and Danforth are extremely flawed men. They all make unrighteous decisions that can be selfish. Unlike Proctor, though, these men place their own needs above the needs of the community. John Proctor has lived in Salem all his life and cares for the town and its citizens, whereas Reverend Hale, Reverend Parris, and Danforth are all outsiders to the town. They place themselves above the well-beings of the townspeople for the reason that they do not care if Salem is to be destroyed. Reverend Parris, Reverend Hale, and Deputy Governor Danforth’s yearn of John Proctor’s confession represents they only care for their own self-interests and not about what his confession could do for the town of
Judge Danforth is the most powerful character in Act 3, because on p. 86 Danforth removed judges from the court so proceedings couldn’t be recorded. This showed that he exercised power over the court that he pulled the judges and made his omnipotent power and how he can control the court. He also put Giles Corey and John Proctor under arrest for going against the court “Marshal! Take [Proctor] and Corey with him to the jail.” (p.111). Judge Danforth didn't like Proctor and Corey challenging the court so he silenced them by putting them under arrest. Also, on p.87 Judge Danforth stated to John Proctor “But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there is no road between.” He made the
...w. Ultimately all order is lost and cannot be redeemed by the high court because Danforth “cannot pardon when twelve are already hanged for the same crime” (4.129) Chaos wins the battle against order and thus breaking the power of theocracy in Salem.
Danforth shows what happens when one is unwilling to admit their problems. Although Danforth’s intention is to save Salem from the threat of witchcraft he plays a role in Salem’s
Reverend Hales, speaking to Danforth, tries to stand up for the fearful townspeople by stating this: “We cannot blink it more. There is a prodigious fear of this court in the country.” (98). Danforth later replies, “Reproach me not with the fear in the country; there is fear in the country because there is a moving plot to topple Christ in the country!” (98). By asserting this, Danforth is effectively shifting the blame onto the people although Danforth knows the courts are feared with good reason. They’re feared because these courts are ruled with emotional, illogical thinking, and harsh repercussions are swiftly dealt out for those that disagree. This situation easily allows the devil to swoop in and instill evil and corruption in the hearts of those in power. Danforth and Hathorne are charging people largely in order to remain in power and to keep a firm grasp on the people of the town. They use the power of the court to frighten the people into being forced to trust and obey those in power, lest they wish to be punished. Also, Parris is using the courts for his own gain. He wants to convict the women for witchcraft in order to maintain his credibility and career in Salem. Altogether, the men of the court are using their power to
Arthur Miller’s 1953 play The Crucible and Alfonso Cuarón’s 2006 dystopian science-fiction film Children of Men both represent people and politics through an exploration of the concept of justice and conformity and non-conformity. Both texts represent people and politics in a unique and evocative way through their differing textual forms, contexts and techniques.
The Crucible by Arthur Miller’s depiction of the Salem Witch Trials displays the fear and hysteria of the villagers as people are accused of witchcraft, with some gaining power as the verdicts pile up. The play describes how the trials are a power play, using fear and condemnation to raise their status. Judge Danforth uses this power to control the court proceedings and to sentence witches as he sees fit. In Acts 3 and 4 of The Crucible, Danforth gains power because of his position and reputation as Deputy Governor, uses it to judge and sentence those who have been accused of witchcraft, and aims to fulfill God’s work by persecuting the witches of Salem.
Arthur Millers The Crucible possesses many examples of interesting character development. A character who one initially finds to be worthy of mercy or pity can easily become the last person deserving of sympathy. This relationship is not only formed between the reader and the characters, but between the characters and the scenario of the story itself. The victim may become the accuser, or the scholar may become the humanitarian. This manner of characterization is best shown in the relationship between Reverend John Hale and Deputy Governor Danforth. Each is objectified to the events in Salem as they come into the situation with no attachments to any of the other characters and are unfamiliar with any of their mannerisms or personalities. Hale is a well-read minister who relies upon his books. Danforth is a reputable judge who relies on consistent input and prodding. Both of these men enter the trials with very similar goals. The places they stand at the finish, however, could not be more different. This is due to the personal relationships and opinions Hale develops concerning Salem. Reverend Hale is a dynamic character who learns his role as a minister while Judge Danforth is a constant force who voices others opinions through his authority.
...and accusations. The extend to which Abigail has manipulated Judge Danforth is shown here. Danforth’s unconditional reliability in Abigail motivated the people in Salem to accused each other to save their own skins. This brought about chaos and commotion to the people of Salem.
When the ideas if Witchcraft were first introduced in Salem, everyone was in shock and accusations spread like wildfire. No one knew who or what to believe. A group of girls stepped up claiming they have been victims to Witchcraft and started listing name after name, even when it seemed unreasonable. The people and judges believed the girls over their own consciences all the way up to the last people hanged. Many people stood up for the accused, but the judges did not listen because “seventy-two [were] condemned to hang by [Danforth’s] signature” and he did not want to be taken as a fool (Miller 183). Danforth believed the accusations and lies of the girls which led to many people being tried and punished without evidence. This proves he should not have believed what he heard without evidence, or else he could have saved many lives.
In Salem, during the times of the Salem witch trials, the church and the people were very close. This is what led to the hysteria and chaos which was the Salem witch trials. It also led to many conflicts between the characters in this book, because anyone who was against the church was considered a criminal. Some of these conflicts were between; Abigail and the other children, Danforth and the town folk, and John Proctor with himself and his wife. Abigail consistently intimidated the village girls.