The Influence of Society: The Crucible

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Stephen King once stated “We never know which lives we influence, or when, or why.” People can be influenced greatly by their society and surrounding environment. Once a common belief is generated, it is usually difficult or others if. In the play, The Crucible, such is shown through the Salem witch trials. In the article, “It’s 2013, and They’re Burning ‘Witches’” the people of Papua New Guinea, also known as PNG, still believe that black magic is used to kill people who have no relation to each other. The general belief that the society influences determine the rash decisions that people take and the fear the unknown results in the blame of the unknown.
In the play, The Crucible, the general belief of witchcraft leads innocent people to be executed. The whole town of Salem believed the false accusations of Abigail, which were supported by her group of friends. Abigail pretends to feel a cold wind and as Judge Hathorne felt “touching Abigail’s hand: she is cold, Your Honor, touch her!” (Miller, Act III). It is one thing for the girls to be pretending, and another if one psychologica...

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