Examples Of Modernism In The Crucible

Modernism can be broken down into two groups of ethics. Theological ethics, which defines virtuous behavior and wrong behavior from a Christian perspective, and humanistic ethics, which emphasizes value and agency of human beings, whether individual or collectively. In all three texts, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” “The Crucible,” and “The Scarlet Letter,” these ethics are tested in more ways than one. In “The Crucible,” the people of Salem, Massachusetts, seem to forget their religious values as they sin over and over right in front of God’s eyes. “Sinner in the Hands of an Angry God,” makes note of the harsh consequences that will come if you forget the values of your religion and sin against Him. “The Scarlet Letter” displays an example of sin and portrays the repercussions of Hester Prynne’s scandal.

In Arthur Miller's, “The Crucible,” the people in the small village of Salem, Massachusetts, are accusing one another of witchcraft. As the trials commence, the faith of the settlers becomes superficial. It becomes clear that the settlers only concern is how the people of the village perceive them, even though they are aware

This is evident in “The Scarlet Letter” after Hester Prynne is punished with the crime of adultery. Hester is bound to wear a letter “A” on her chest everywhere she goes, which is a cruel and unusual punishment. She is ordered to stand in front of the townspeople where she is profusely interrogated and shunned. Not only does she face name-calling, but her daughter Pearl does as well. Hester’s theological and humanistic ethics are tested throughout the novel. She could have ran away to another village and started over, but instead she faces her punishment and never retaliates against the church. She, in turn, helps the poor, keeps to herself, and does all she can for the well-being of her little