Power in Salem and The Crucible

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“He who has great power should use it lightly.” - Lucius Annaeus Seneca. Power in Salem grew in 1962 at the start of the Salem Witch trials. Two people started to abuse there power. One, Ms. Abigail Williams. Two, Ms. Mary Warren. Three, Deputy Governor Danforth. Why do they abuses there power in the court? The power that Abigail Williams has on the town, maybe fatal. Abigail plays a very important role in the crucible. In fact it is likely with out her it would not exist. she is the source of everything that goes wrong in the play. Her attempt to defend her self form the consequences of her actions may ruin other lives. For example, with her affair with John Procter, that was still unkown to the rest of the town intill the end of the play. And because of her actions the rumors of witches wouldn’t have started. In conclusion, Abigail Williams draws our interests thought her deceiving actions and mendacious, wicked character, and words showing us how hysteria or crazieness can be made by one person, causing the death of so many innocent people. The second person who abused their power was Mary Warren, who goes from a quiet farm helper to a big voice in the court. She is a kind and basically honest girl who tries to do the right thing, saving her friends from harm. However, throughout Acts I and II, Mary is a follower who allows Abigail Williams to negatively influence her good judgment. To make matters worse, Mary is terrified of Abigail’s threats. Because of her weak will, the reader isn’t certain if Mary will maintain the courage to help John Proctor to win his court case in Act III. But when she becomes a official of the court she dosn’t let anyone talk down to her. For a time, Mary becomes more assertive in Act II because she has gained attention as an official of the court and feels important. She demonstrates her new forcefulness by telling John Proctor that he cannot stop her from going to Salem each day. The third person whom abuses their power was Deputy Governor Danforth who speaks with imperious authority. To demonstrate his power, he asserts rhetorically, as he quotes “Near to four hundred are in the jails from Marblehead to Lynn, and upon my signature...and seventy-two condemned to hang by that signature" (Act III).

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