How Does Mary Warren Change In The Crucible

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A story is only as good as its characters, because the characters are what capture our attention, they are what keeps our attention. A good writer pressures us to feel empathy for those beyond redemption; as a story advances, the characters evolve with it, and sometimes we do as well. These characters may not change in a favorable manner, they may go back to their old ways, but they change at some point, and even the tiny changes matter. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Mary Warren changes for the better, until she goes back to her old ways. Yet that's what made her so realistic, she wasn't invariably good or honorable, she wasn't heroic. Mary Warren was unequivocally, without a doubt, a coward, and a selfish one at that. Nevertheless, she …show more content…

Unlike her peers, Mary Warren is innocent of and wishes to tell the truth, "We must tell the truth, Abby! You'll only be whipped for dancin', and the other things!" (Miller, Arthur. "Act 1." The Crucible. 50th Anniversary ed. Harmondsworth, Eng.: Penguin, 1976. 18. Print.). Upon hearing this, Abigail immediately shoots down Mary's request, threatening her life if she dare …show more content…

In order to avoid charges, Abigail deflects the blame onto Tituba, the family servant, by saying that she forced her to drink blood. After realizing that the town might hang her for her crimes, Tituba confesses to witchcraft and accuses the low-class women of Salem, hoping that it might lighten her punishment. The town quickly breaks into hysteria as Mary is pulled into the center of the drama and the authorities ask her to testify against the accused. Realizing that her life is still under threat of Abigail if she doesn't do what Abigail asks of her, Mary lies on stand, ensuring her safety, as well as the death of two innocent women. Overwhelmed with culpability, Mary attempts to justify her

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