Examples Of Persecution In The Crucible

Bringing justice to the world is never an easy task and is always disputed. The legal process requires an extreme amount of digging to discover the truth and can cause uproar if people do not approve. Sometimes the legal system gets it wrong and can cause unjust deaths. Persecution of the innocent destroys society. John Proctor, a man of great courage, plays the role of a farmer in The Crucible by Arthur Miller. John Proctor’s character illustrates how persecution of the innocent destroys society, as his children will be left with no dad, Salem is in panic, and Elizabeth is left with no husband.

Leading off, persecution of the innocent affects the society’s citizens such as John Proctor’s children. John Proctor died for his name, entailing

his wife, Elizabeth, to nurture their offspring alone (AP). As John appeared in court he proclaimed: “…nor keep my children out of the wind” (Miller 1329). John was struggling to acquire the judges’ emotions by stating he would not be able to shelter his children if he were dead. John recognizes that an influential father figure is crucial in a child’s life. Children can develop into disobedient and rebellious members of society without a father as a role model. Not only does John become upset about not being able to protect his children, he also grows concerned about raising his children to be adequate members of society. When speaking to his Elizabeth, John questions, “There is no word of the boys?” (Miller 1327). With John searching for the answer to this question, it portrays John’s concern for his boys. John understands his children need him in order to prosper and advance with a strong character. A society is only as strong as its people, and John comprehends that his boys need to be good contributors to society. When innocent people are persecuted, people in a society can uproar in response to a court haltering the raising of a new, healthy generation of people.
Meanwhile, persecution of the innocent leads people in uproar.

With witchcraft infecting Salem, a countless number of residents are sentenced to death each day (AB). Eventually, Salem residents become fearful and start to question the moral and good of the court. The witchcraft expert, Reverend Hale, warns the court: “Excellency, I would postpone these hanging’s for a time” (Miller 1323). Hale is attempting to save the power of the court with this statement. Hale understands the court has made a blunder in hanging harmless people and is cautioning the court before the individuals of Salem proceed with a rebellion. When an innocent person is sentenced to death, it is in the good of people to sense the need to act for the sake of humanity. Next, the court learned of the rebellion that occurred in Andover. Hale attempts to back his claim with evidence by illustrating an example of a town that overthrew the court. Judge Danforth sharply retorts by stating, “…speak nothing of Andover” (Miller 1321). Danforth’s sharp and bold response proves he does not want Andover to be in discussion. Danforth is in denial that the law was overthrown in a nearby town and is trying to make it sound surreal. Killing of innocent people calls for a rebellion that generates a disorganized society. Consequently, persecution of the innocent points people to uproar and hurts loved ones the

most.
Last, Elizabeth Proctor is left to suffer from her husband’s death. As imagined, Elizabeth holds a huge burden in taking care of her children, yet alone herself. John Proctor understands if he elects death he would put Elizabeth in a pitiless spot. John realizes he cannot put his wife in such a horrid position: “I want my life” (Miller 1329). With this remark, John exclaims that he wants to live and continue to raise his family with his wife, Elizabeth. Also, John apprehends that his life is worth more than his good name. John understands he owes his elegant life to Elizabeth and his children. On the contrary, John weighs in the agony he would have to live through. As John speaks to his wife for the final moment, he shows an immense amount of respect for his wife by affirming, “You are a marvel, Elizabeth” (Miller 1327). John’s emotions, fueled by his motivation to make sure his wife understands he truly loves her, influenced his description of Elizabeth as a marvel (Part.P). As John and Elizabeth share their final words together, John attempts to confirm Elizabeth that she will be able to thrive without him. As a result of John’s death, Elizabeth has nothing to hold onto, as John was her foundation. Persecution of innocent lives affects the people of a society by causing devastating losses.
John Proctor’s children being left without a father, uproar in Salem, and Elizabeth being deprived from her husband portray how unjust persecution destroys society. Therefore, the legal system and bringing justice to the world is an enormous responsibility. As stated, the legal system is not flawless, proving true in Salem. Persecution of the innocent destroys society. The definition of society is: a body of individuals living as members of a community (Dictionary.com). A society is only as strong as its individuals; when individuals are destroyed, so is society.