Essay On The Crucible Conforming

Everyone conforms, even if it is for the worst. People conform when they fear the results of when they rebel. To conform is perceived to behave according to socially acceptable conventions or standards. Many scenarios in history show what happens when people conform. Conforming is almost always a terrible idea. When people conformed in the Salem Witch Trials, the problem had increased to the point of innocent people being hanged. The in book “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller shows the conforming of the people in Salem. In the book, it explains the consequences of conforming for the worst and what happens when people rebel. When rebelling people show great self-respect, human rights, and can save lives when rebelling for the good instead of

following who is in charge. People should rebel instead of conforming to the majority.
Self-respect is something displayed in rebelling against the opinion of the crowd.

They express their opinion instead of shying away. Sometimes, even stating just one opinion that differs from that of the group may result in being labeled as “strange”, “difficult”, or “stubborn”.(Van Der Borne) Even when others will judge the rebel, they still stand for what they believe in. One character that showed an enormous amount of self-respect is Gile Cory in “Crucible” by Arthur Miller. When the court asked him to give up the name of the man who accused the Putnam he knew his rights and what would happen to him.”Judge Danforth: If you do not give me his name, I will have you arrested for contempt of court. Giles Corey: This is a hearing. You cannot arrest me for contempt of a hearing.(Miller(87)) Denying the court was a rebellious act and he stated his opinion. He stood by his word and was killed for not conforming with the court. Showing self-respect and standing for what people believe might be challenging but it also is the best

choice.
Higher standing people or people who are influential have the most control over a crowds acceptance with an idea.

The government, judges, and political figures are the most persuasive when convincing individuals to conform. “It could easily be overwhelming to face a group on the other side of an issue or candidate…”(Van Der Borne) This text shows when going against a crowd people can feel they need to change their minds. In the book, the Crucible and strong character who rebelled and stood against a higher standing figure is John Proctor. He stood against the court and did not give into agreeing with them. “I'll tell you what's walking Salem, vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law! This warrants vengeance!”.(Miller(73)) Mr. Proctor's speech is telling what he believes and how it goes against the court's decision. Since Proctor did not conform he possibly saved many other women's lives. Rebelling against higher standings can be for the better good. Even if it can be overwhelming to rebel, “studies suggest that reminding yourself of wanting to be an individual can make it a better experience…”(Van Der

Borne).
Some people might say conforming is for the better. “...No harm in conforming to a positive, harmless standard” (Van Der Borne). At what point can people say it is harmless? In reality, there is no reason to conform to anything. Having your own opinion is the course of action that people should take. If people conform when they believe it is for the better and positive harmless standard then it can have major consequences. In the Crucible by Arthur Miller, Mary Warren changes her mind when John Proctor accuses Abigail of lying to the court. At first, mary was on the rebelling side. Soon after she switch because it was easier and it seemed like a more positive outcome.”Mary Warren, pointing at Proctor: You're the Devil's man! He is stopped in his tracks”(Miller(110)). When she did this harmless switch this cause John to be hung and tried for being a witch. Conforming because people think it is harmless are wrong
In conclusion even when faced with an influential person, or lacking self-respect, or even not doing human rights, people still should not conform and fight for what they believe in. Look up to the people who rebel and do not falter in their beliefs. Even when times are hard and the odd are stacked against an individual, their sacrifice can save people and stop a worst situation from happening.