Compare And Contrast Crucible And Massachusetts Bay Colony

The Crucible is set in 1600’s Salem, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was the second colony established in the new world, forming in 1629. Puritans sought a new place where they could establish more religious freedom than England and could purify themselves from Catholicism. The Massachusetts Bay colony was eventually settled by a Puritan company by the name of Massachusetts Bay Company, which was a joint stock company that was given a royal charter by King Charles I. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was quickly established as a theocratic government with John Endecott as the first governor.

While Puritans believed that they should not separate themselves from the Church of England, church was still a major cornerstone in their new

life. It was illegal to not attend church and all the members of the community were expected to obey the strict Puritan moral code. They also tried to avoid evil and selfish lifestyles, and focus on Heaven and not earthly possessions by leading simplistic lifestyles which included no dancing, no holiday or birthday celebrations, and no elaborate dress or decoration. They also believed in the Doctrine of Predestination, which is a religious doctrine that details how God has already determined which people on earth are going to heaven or hell, although they didn't know where they were going. Puritans also believed that the Devil was as real as God, and that the Devil was responsible for all the evils in the world and that he was very persuasive, especially to women, small children, elders, and the mentally ill or insane.