As the world changes and evolves, the modern court system does as well. More now than ever, today’s courts aspire to be the epitome of justice and liberty. However, corruption by court officials, such as accepting bribes and breaking the law themselves, continues to plague the justice system, and in fact, creates speculation in society of whether the court of law is ruling in the people’s favor or its own. In historical fiction, such as The Crucible, the characters mimic this current-day situation; authorities, like Danforth and Abigail, take advantage of their power by silencing the townspeople, ultimately crumbling the foundations of their society as well as the breaking the peace that was once present in Salem. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, religious officials’ belittlement fosters …show more content…
tension and disunity among congregates showing that those who hold power will sacrifice their morals to maintain control as well as their reputation.
A sense of disunity is forged within the community of Salem due to the religious officials’ belittlement of the congregates and the leaders’ ignorance of their own injustices during the trials. Even secondary characters, who comply with the orders of the main officials, are unaware of the consequences of their actions and hence contribute to the division in society. Cheever, a clerk of the court, objects to Elizabeth’s retorts against Abigail and declares, “You’ve heard that, sir! Ripped out of the world! Herrick, you heard it!” (Miller 1283). He shows that any defense from the accused will immediately be used as evidence of guilt. This shows that the innocent victims, like Elizabeth, really have no chance to be proven innocent under the hypocritical and corrupt court system that runs in Salem. The victims must plead guilty to have their lives spared, which in turn boosts the morale of the officials. As the accused attempt to prove their innocence, disunity is sown in the court; the government officers and the accused square off,
escalating friction in the greater congregation. Abbotson, a literary critic, also considers the lack of unity within Salem: “Under the guise of morality, they are given the opportunity to express envy and hostility toward their neighbors and take vengeance.” In an attempt to silence and take revenge on Giles Corey for making a mockery out of him, Judge Danforth orders him to be executed. His command shows how the laws of society are not protecting the citizens, rather creating injustice as the people have no voice in the courtroom, especially if their opinions oppose those who are in power. The result of this corruption is that the public begins to question the authority of the judge and the court, leading to a division within the community that perpetuates a strained community. In summary, the lack of unity between citizens due to the officials’ silencing them creates doubt of whether authorities’ actions are in everyone’s best interests. As a result of the dissent in the community, hostility between the trial officers and the accused is steadily enshrouding the town. Judge Danforth criticizes Corey in the court and remarks, “It is disruption, Mister. This is the highest court of the supreme government of this province, do you know it?” (Miller 1292). He does this because he knows that if he lets Giles Corey speak as a witness, Corey will unravel the lies and deceit that the court has been keeping intact. This will ruin the reputations and credibility of the officials within the court, especially Danforth because he is the judge that is signing off on the executions of the innocent. His high stature within the community and the court allow him to condemn Giles. Danforth uses the guiding principles of the Puritan culture, such as the need to show respect to one’s superiors, to subvert the accusations that Giles Corey is making, therefore silencing him. This creates more hostility between Giles and the court. Abbotson recognizes the, “One issue that concerns Miller is the tension that people experience between conscience and their predilection toward selfishness as well as the inevitable moral consequences of allowing the latter an upper hand.” The officials of the town elected to give in to selfishness to promote their own plans in order to continue to stay in power. The congregates’ decisions were influenced by their desire to preserve their high status in society, thereby repressing any morals that they once had in order to achieve their goals. Silencing the public and spouting propaganda that supports the leaders’ agenda leads the townspeople to doubt the authorities’ leadership abilities. In the end, more tension is created between the townsfolk and the arbitrators, not only promoting vengeance and spiteful spirits among the congregates, but also making people hide their individuality for fear of accusations against them. The splintering of the community allows the government officials to maintain power and status because the townspeople are too focused on their own differences to realize what is happening around them. Abigail objects to the words of the John Proctor and remarks,: Let you beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you to be so mighty that the power of hell may not turn your wits? [...] -Suddenly, from an accusatory attitude, her face turns, looking into the air above (Miller 1307). Abigail, a leader within the church, has a lot of power within the court system and will defend herself in any way possible to maintain her reputation of being a religious girl. In order to silence the accusations from the court, she deflects accusations against her and accuses others to repress any assertions that she is deceiving the court. Also, by pretending that Mary is bewitching her, she is controlling the girls to do the same and is able to silence the opposing forces that are trying to undermine her. Abbotson critiques the religious officials and observes that they are “Such people [who] assume a moral high ground so that anyone who disagrees is deemed immoral and damned, without recourse to defense” (Abbotson). The church sets forth a moral standard for all who are within the town. This high moral standard should be treated as a sacred ground for the people to maintain integrity and virtue. However, the leaders of the town, like Danforth, take advantage of the “moral ground” that their position gives them, thus creating a platform to shame those who are not upholding the same ideals. Therefore, the people have no platform to express their contradictory opinions, as they “go against” the morals set forth by God, which is considered blasphemous. Hence, the leaders of Salem continue to exploit their position of power to maintain control so that they are able to preserve their self-worth and feed their ego. The community leaders must choose between morality and dominance, leading them to ignore their conscience in favor of upholding their status, rather than considering the greater good. While many leaders in the town, like Reverend Hale, doubt the integrity of the witch trials, Danforth refutes these claims and tells the officials to “Hang them high over the town! Who weeps for these, weeps for corruption!” (Miller 1333). Danforth doesn’t want to give up his reputation without a fight. He is willing to sentence innocent people to their death because he is so afraid of being shunned by the people of the town. He also knows that his arguments to hang the confession on the door is not strong enough to compete with Proctor’s resistance. The citizens already are questioning the true motives of the court and whether the officials are trustworthy. Danforth is also a prideful man so, having to confess to lying to the people about the witch trials will mortify him. Therefore, killing the innocent and taking away his morals is the best way to protect his reputation. Abbotson points out the lack of morality within the justice system in Salem and even introduces an idea where “Miller explores what happens when people allow others to be the judge of their conscience.” The authorities in Salem, even citizens in the town, allow their decisions to be influenced by the ideologies of the town. By accepting this external influence, the characters are faced with the perplexing decision of choosing to follow their inner voice or yield to the pressure of their peers. Ultimately, most of the characters yield to the towns’ coercion, forcing them to sacrifice their own morals in order to maintain or further their social standing. The tension between the external and internal opinions creates division within the society, eventually leaving a lot of collateral damage for the citizens of Salem to deal with. On the whole, sacrificing morals in favor of self-promotion leads to the establishment of a bitter and divided community, as well as guilty consciences. In conclusion, the abuse of power within Salem creates division and anxiety among the townspeople. Due to the disunity, the court officials are able to tactically push their own corrupt agenda, never foreseeing the price it will cost them. They ignore the founding principles of their Puritan society, as well as the Christian morals which they preach every Sunday; this, in turn, leads them to a life riddled with guilt once the dust settles after the witch trials. Corruption, although tempting for the short-term benefits, can escalate into major retaliation from the public, as well as long-term feelings of culpability.
The authority figures on the side of the prosecution also abuse their power in The Crucible. Danforth, the judge, steps in and solidifies that he has the final say in any and all convictions. “The village expects to see [seven people] die this morning” and Danforth seeks to do exactly what the village wants to gain their favor (Miller 129). He will convict whoever he wants and not stop the hangings simply because “postponement now speaks a floundering on [his] part” (Miller 129).
In any community, the people rely on the power of law and justice to protect them. When the guardians of the law and order misuse their power it brings tragedy upon the town. In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible the inappropriate actions of the character of Judge Danforth, the voice of authority of the community leads to the tragedy of social disruption of the town accompanied by breakdown in communal solidarity.
"Power tends to corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" - Lord Action. In "The Crucible" composed by Arthur Miller control, power, fear and greed were the main factors that began the Salem witch trails. Power brings out the true nature of a person and we see that happening to Abigail throughout the play. That brings me to my next point fear, Abigail used the fear of accusing people of being witches to gain power and control. It all started with Abigail misunderstanding lust for love. John Proctor thought softly of her and she began dreaming of replacing his wife willing to go to any needs necessary.
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.
Fatal flaws are personality imperfections found within characters. Tragedy was a common occurrence in The Crucible. Many of these great tragedies happening in The Crucible, were a result of a tragic flaw or flaws like lust and pride embodied by John Proctor during the play.These flaws could also be seen as noble qualities at times, and play a crucial part in his downfall and death.
Through out the ages the inevitable dilemma of the balance of power is always seen where the governing super power wants to fullycontrol an individual through every aspect of their life. This description nodoubt, fully describes the Puritan belief system in Salem, where the church/court has the authority over everything or else itâˆ(tm)s of the devil. The conceptof individuality is highly resented making everyone follow the leader withoutthought. However there are those who question the authority when situation seemto surpass reason. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Proctor, astrong steadfast farmer resides in the small town of Salem, which is engulfedin hysteria due to the accusations of children that many of the townâˆ(tm)s peoplehad partaken in witchcraft. Among the accused is he (Proctor). Proctor is theonly individual willing to question the puritan belief system. He believes thatno man (church/court) should have control over the life of the other. Only Godhas the power to judge and condemn. Therefore, choosing the more tragic outcome by not allowing himself to lose his individuality and sense of self;conflict of ethics between what is right from wrong as well as sheer lack ofcommon sense. Through Proctor, miller shows how an individual should notallow society to divest their sense of self, Instead, hold unto onesindividuality as well as integrity and not let society have the upper hand,leading one to lose their sense of right and wrong.
?What is left when honor is lost?? Publilius Syrus' quote, though dating from 100 B.C., still seems pertinent to our era (Quotations). Many people still feel that once integrity is lost they are nothing and many are willing to stand up to keep their integrity. Without integrity, we are nothing. During the time that Arthur Miller wrote his most famous play, The Crucible, innocent men and women are accused of having Communist leanings. Their whole lives are ruined in a short amount of time because they refuse to compromise themselves by selling out their friends. Miller tries to make a statement about these unfair trials by comparing them to the Salem witch-hunts and trials of 1692. The main protagonist of his play is a man named John Proctor who is accused of witchcraft but stands up to maintain his name and his honor, even though he is hanged for it. During the H.U.A.C. trials some took stands for their beliefs with the knowledge of possibly being shunned by society. Knowing this, instead of taking the cowards' way and giving the names of their friends, they refuse to tell the committee anything in the same way that John Proctor stands up against a court that is ruining the lives of innocent people.
Power and fear can affect people´s sense of what's wrong and what's right. In “the Crucible” by Miller, we can see how the trials affected every individual in a negative aspect. people suffered because of such power and unfairness the authority had. The witch trials affected a lot of individuals from an emotional aspect to a psychological trauma.
The Crucible mocks the way society deals with justice. Salem is torn apart, due to the extent of Abigail's imagination and power. It shows the bias of opinions, as it was shown in the court, and how people tend to choose outcomes that suit them. In the end, injustice thrived upon the souls of the community, leaving many innocent people dead. Justice did not prevail, as the heart behind the case, John Proctor preferred to keep his self-respect and integrity, than live a life of lies.
The Crucible: Hysteria and Injustice Thesis Statement: The purpose is to educate and display to the reader the hysteria and injustice that can come from a group of people that thinks it's doing the "right" thing for society in relation to The Crucible by Arthur Miller. I. Introduction: The play is based on the real life witch hunts that occurred in the late 1600's in Salem, Massachusetts. It shows the people's fear of what they felt was the Devil's work and shows how a small group of powerful people wrongly accused and killed many people out of this fear and ignorance.
Many characters in The Crucible fall under the trap of lying, if not to other people, then to themselves. The Crucible is a fictional retelling of events in history, surrounding the Salem witch trials. It takes place in Salem, Massachusetts during 1692 and 1693. Additionally, Miller wrote the play as an allegory to mccarthyism, which is the practice of making accusations without evidence. In the play, Arthur Miller develops the theme of lies and deceit by showing Abigail lying for her own benefit, John Proctor committing adultery, and Elizabeth lying to protect her husband.
As the adolescents wail in their pretentious horror of a fictional bird, Proctor slowly realizes the conformation that Satan has entered Salem. Arthur Miller’s tragic allegory, The Crucible, shows the destruction of sinister Salem in 1692. The protagonist, John Proctor, a damnable farmer, has a lecherous affair with the antagonist, Abigail Williams, an ignorant and covetous juvenile. Satan mixes their interior motives to manufacture a catastrophic concoction. The ingredients of destruction consist of selfishness, immaturity, and corruption. The voracious desires of the natives of Salem lead to their evil and self-indulged intentions.
...ithout concrete evidence. Also, Abigail allows innocent people to be alleged and sometimes even hanged without a chance to defend themselves. Her main reason was to prove the hypocrisy within the town. “Let you beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you to be so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits? Beware of it!” Abigail is hinting that no one especially Danforth, who is loaded with power and authority is able to escape the devil. She sees the trials as a game. Abigail wishes to punish Salem for its hypocritical values by falsely accusing women and men for their wrong doing. Danforth, with the abuse of his authority in a way represents the “Un- American activist committee,” by questioning as many “Communists” as they could. Abigail’s abuse of power represents how blame was thrown onto innocent people, for their lives to be taken if they didn’t “name names.”
I believe that Abigail Williams is to blame for turning the town of Salem against many people, and I think it is her fault that several people were killed. Abigail Williams sends the town into a state of hysteria by accusing men and women of practicing the satanic art of witchcraft. Abigail’s flaws - her lustful desire for John Proctor, her deceptive habit of lying in order to retain her good name in the town, and her selfishness and obsessive aspiration for power – led her to be ultimately responsible for the catastrophe of the witch hunt in Salem.
Authority in a society is a necessary evil which, when unfettered, results in the abuse of power. Power has long been considered a corrupting and a disrupting force in function and in influence. Underlying motives and greed fuel those who seek to gain and or abuse this power. The Crucible examines this twisted force as it corrupts societies’ clergy, blinds its justices, and empowers those who seek to abuse it. Arthur Miller shows how power can be a corrupting influence and how it can blind the judgment of authoritative figures.