The Crucible- Injustice Essay, Research Paper
In The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, justice and injustice is portrayed through the characters of John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor and Abigail Williams. It is also shown through the minor characters of Mary Warren and Mercy Lewis, followers of Abigail Williams, and through Danforth and various townspeople.
After Abigail Williams and the girls are discovered dancing in the forest by Reverend Parris, there are rumours of witchcraft among them, when Betty Parris and Ruth Putnam are found “witched”. Once the girls discover this, they become more and more frightened of being accused of witchcraft. Abigail is the first to “admit” to seeing the devil, and all the other girls join in, so the blame will not be placed on them. “I saw Sarah Good with the Devil. I saw Goody Osburn with the Devil. I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil.”
Once the accusations began, many innocent people in the community were taken away. They were then either forced to admit that they were witches, to free themselves from a public hanging, or deny that they were witches, saving their integrity, but subjecting themselves to an unjust public hanging.
One of the first people to be charged, was Rebecca Nurse, wife of Francis Nurse, a well-respected man of the community. This disturbance caused great anxiety amongst the people in Salem, as they would have least suspected Rebecca Nurse to be one to deal with the Devil. “If Rebecca Nurse be tainted, then nothing’s left to stop the whole green world from burning.” Goody Putnam was the one to accuse her of witchcraft, for the death of her seven babies, but even with no just proof, Rebecca Nurse is hanged for “sending her spirit out on them.”
Wild accusations are flying between people in Salem. In the case of Martha Corey, Walcott accused Corey of witchcraft, to settle a score that had happened four or five years ago. Walcott claimed that after buying a pig from Corey, it died soon after that and “from that day to this he cannot keep a pig alive for more than four weeks.”
Giles Corey, Martha Corey’s husband, was later killed for a different reason. He refused to give the name of a man who heard Putnam say he was “killing his neighbours for their land.” Giles Corey died an unjust death, great stones placed on his chest, pressing him slowly to death.
Any outrageous claims were taken in by the courts, and everyone had a reason to accuse another, resulting in many innocent deaths.
The main accuser, Abigail Williams, had an ulterior motive to destroy Elizabeth Proctor. Beforehand, Abigail had an affair with Elizabeth’s husband, John Proctor, and Abigail believed if she removed Elizabeth, she would have John to herself. Most of Abigail’s allegations were based on false claims, believing the relationship between her and John Proctor to be true love.
Because of Abigail’s twisted plot of sticking a needle in herself to signify Elizabeth’s “familiar spirit” pushing it in, and Cheever finding a poppet in the Proctor’s house, Elizabeth is charged with murder. Proctor realises what Abigail is trying to do, and feels remorse, as he is partly at fault for his relationship with Abigail. “I’ll not give my wife to vengeance.”
At the trial, Proctor no longer tried to protect himself and admits to having an affair with Abigail, explains Abigail’s plan to destroy Elizabeth for revenge. Elizabeth is called in to secure these claims, but does not admit to John being an adulterer, to save his reputation and to protect him. “Elizabeth, I have confessed it.”
Mary Warren, a follower of Abigail Williams and John Proctor’s servant, wanted to confess to the court, the falseness and injustice of the whole incident, the girls’ imagination running wild, just to save themselves from being convicted of witchcraft, themselves. John Proctor learns this truth, and forces Mary to confess, to give justice to the rest of the community. The girls are given a chance to defend themselves against the claim that they were only acting. To prove their innocence, Abigail leads them to act as if Mary Warren had send her spirit in the form of a yellow bird up on the rafters. The girls’ hysterics, causes Mary Warren to break her barrier, and falls to Abigail’s pressure. Mary Warren then lets injustice prevail by accusing John Proctor to be “the Devil’s man” and her word is believed. Because of Mary’s inability to speak the truth, Proctor is taken away.
The court of Salem, was a mockery of the court system, as the court people wanted convictions that suited them.
There is a crucial flaw in the court system, when Danforth claims that “witchcraft is ipso facto, on its face and by its nature, an invisible crime….we must rely upon her victims-and they do testify..” He suggests that there is no visible evidence, so they must rely on the word of the witnesses along. But he cannot tell if he has unreliable sources or not, but prefers to believe the word of Abigail and the girls, over any other members of the community.
When Mary Warren and John Proctor challenge the court proceedings, by Mary admitting that the information that Abigail and the girls are giving are false, the court is hardly convinced. But later when Mary turns her back and accuses John of witchcraft, the court immediately takes this information aboard, and John is taken away. Also, when Elizabeth does not confess to John being an adulterer, this testimony is used to great extent, so to the court people they believe that John was undoubtedly lying. The members of the court bases its judgements on what they want to hear, resulting in many of the accused, dying in an innocent, unjust manner.
When Proctor “confesses” to dealing with witchcraft, to save his life, after being told that it would be a public notice, he rips up the confession, as he knows his reputation will be destroyed among people who had respected him. But what matters most is that Proctor would have lost his self-respect, if he had let this lie, take its course. Proctor’s name meant more than his reputation, as it was all he had left after the consequences of dealing with Abigail. “Because I lie and sign myself to lies! I have give you my soul; leave me my name!” He knew that he could not deal with being seen as a witch in the eyes of the community, and preferred to keep the honour of his name, his loyalty to himself and most of all, his personal integrity. Elizabeth Proctor realised the meaning of his name to him, realising that his name was all he had left to keep him whole. “He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!”
The Crucible mocks the way society deals with justice. Salem is torn apart, due to the extent of Abigail’s imagination and power. It shows the bias of opinions, as it was shown in the court, and how people tend to choose outcomes that suit them. In the end, injustice thrived upon the souls of the community, leaving many innocent people dead. Justice did not prevail, as the heart behind the case, John Proctor preferred to keep his self-respect and integrity, than live a life of lies.
Другие работы по теме:
The Crucible Essay Research Paper The production
The Crucible Essay, Research Paper The production of THE CRUCIBLE by Arthur Miller had many high points of suspense and action. Mainly involving the trials and tribulations of John Proctor. Mr. Philip G. Hill’s view of Miller’s THE CRUCIBLE is strong; emotion filled and does an excellent job of summarizing this classic production.
Crucible Essay Research Paper When we think
Crucible Essay, Research Paper When we think of the United States we think of equality and justice for all people no matter how far back you go back in our history. Sadly, this hasn’t always been the case, in this land of hope
Crucible Essay Research Paper The Crucible is
Crucible Essay, Research Paper The Crucible is a play about witchcraft. It all begins with a group of young women playing with witchcraft taught by Tituba and Abigail William?s. Reverend
The Crucible Essay Research Paper Tone Shift
The Crucible Essay, Research Paper Tone Shift between Act I and Act II of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible The tone changes from maddened anticipation at the end of act one to somber falseness at the beginning of act two. The author’s diction highlights the tones of hysteria and excitement at the conclusion of act one. “Rising to a great glee,” Abigail exclaims, “I saw Goody Sibber with the Devil!” Accusations from Abigail and Betty are flying everywhere.
Crucible Act Two Essay Research Paper The
Crucible- Act Two Essay, Research Paper The Crucible Act Two To confess to corruption is to sentence your soul to hell, however if you confess to your self, you in turn hold what is rightfully yours, your unflawed name.
Crucible By Miller Essay Research Paper John
Crucible By Miller Essay, Research Paper John Proctor was the main character in the play The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller. Will the truth set you free? In Proctor?s case of choosing truth over
Crucible 2 Essay Research Paper It is
Crucible 2 Essay, Research Paper It is more noble to die with integrity than it is to compromise one s principle in order to live. —– Danforth: I say, will you confess yourself, Goody Nurse? Rebecca: Why it is a lie, it is a lie;; how may I damn myself? I cannot, I cannot. —–Arthur Miller s, The Crucible, was a play with many themes.
The Crucible Essay Research Paper God in
The Crucible Essay, Research Paper ?God in Heaven, what is John Proctor, what is John Proctor? (Act IV, pg 138) The Crucible is a story of love, pity, revenge, and forgiveness. It details the lives
Crucible Salem Episode Essay Research Paper The
Crucible Salem Episode Essay, Research Paper The Crucible The Salem witch-trials, are an historic event that occurred during the Puritan era. It was the witch-trials that decided the fate of so many of the
Crucible Essay Research Paper Summary of The
Crucible Essay, Research Paper Summary of The Crucible This story takes place during the late 1600’s. In the beginning Abigail, Mary Warren, and Betty were in the forest conjuring up spirits of the dead. They wanted to find out why children were dying in their infancy. Tituba knew how to conjure so she was the one who did it, while the other three danced.
A Crucible Essay Research Paper Crucible is
A Crucible Essay, Research Paper Crucible is a word that mixes many feelings and emotions where most words tend to be more ambiguous. Because the word crucible has multiple meanings, Arthur Miller chose The Crucible as a title to try to express the subtleties of the play?s message.
Crucible Lying Essay Research Paper Notes for
Crucible Lying Essay, Research Paper Notes for an essay on human weaknesses that are prominent in the Crucible Lying (pg. 10 – Abigail Williams) Abigail lied to Parris when he asked if she had
The Crucible Essay Research Paper What Willy
The Crucible Essay, Research Paper What Willy meant to Biff Did not like him that much. Ruined his life. Was his role model until he catches them in bed. What Willy meant to Happy
Percent Composition Of Water In Copper SUlfate
Pentahydrate (Lab Report Version) Essay, Research Paper Abstract The percentage of water in Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate was found. Copper Sulfate was heated in a crucible to evaporate the water. The mass was weighed to find the difference before and after heating. By comparing these masses, the percentage of water was found.
The Crucible Essay Essay Research Paper The
The Crucible Essay Essay, Research Paper The Crucible Essay Giles Corey, Rebecca Nurse, and John Proctor all have something in common which endanger them when the witch-hunt begins. The play, The Crucible, by Arthur Miller is a portrayal of the Salem witch trials. In the play there are three characters, Giles, Rebecca, and John all die at the end.
Crucible Essay Research Paper In literature as
Crucible Essay, Research Paper In literature as in life people often suffer severe tests of character. Sometimes they must defend their beliefs in the face of great opposition. In the drama The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, two characters showed this quality. John Proctor and Rebecca Nurse both suffered severe tests of character.
What Is The Significance Of The Title
“The Crucible”? Essay, Research Paper I think that the play “The Crucible” is called its name for many reasons, all of which reflect a certain element in the play. It is a clever thing for Arthur Miller to have chosen the word crucible as the title for this particular play because it can be interpreted in many different ways.
Social Injustices Essay Research Paper Whenever truth
Social Injustices Essay, Research Paper Whenever truth and legitimacy are tossed aside and reciprocated with partisan persecution, it is the duty of any citizen who can preclude such a predicament to fulfill their natural obligation to their compatriot. In The Crucible, a witch-hunt is literally transpiring.
Crucible Essay Research Paper Tragic Hero EssayThe
Crucible Essay, Research Paper Tragic Hero Essay The historic happenings of the Salem Witch Trials are told in the story of the Crucible. In the Crucible, the main character is John Proctor. John Proctor is a tragic hero who is a great man but has one single flaw, pride, which will lead to his destruction.
Sliver Oxide Lab Essay Research Paper Sliver
Sliver Oxide Lab Essay, Research Paper Sliver Oxide LabPurpose: To find the chemical formula for Silver Oxide and to improve student’s skills with lab equipment. Hazards: Heat/FlameMidly hazordous chemicalsMaterials:Small Crucible and means of suspending it above a flameBunson BurnerAccurate scale in gramsTongsProcedure:Place the crucible on your scale and record it’s weight when empty.
Crucible Essay Research Paper The Crucible
Crucible Essay, Research Paper The Crucible The Crucible takes place in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. It begins with a sense of witchcraft in the air, when we find out that Reverend Parris (the town minister) and the town are
Crucible 11 Essay Research Paper The Crucible
Crucible 11 Essay, Research Paper The Crucible is a great play about the Salem Witch trials which history has never forgotten. What is a crucible? The dictionary has defined it as a severely difficult test or experience, and indeed the play does have a difficult test in the plot of its story. The author, Arthur Miller chose a great name for his play.
The Crucible 4 Essay Research Paper The
The Crucible 4 Essay, Research Paper The Crucible Arthur Miller The selection, “The Crucible”, is in the form of a play. The setting takes place in Salem, Massachusetts in the year 1692. The people of Salem led a strict life, whose concerns were mostly concentrated upon the worklife while following the principles and rituals of the Christian religion.
Crucible Essay Essay Research Paper The Crucible
Crucible Essay Essay, Research Paper The Crucible Essay The story The Crucible takes place during the times of the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts. This was a time of much hypocrisy in the people of the town of Salem. Many people believed anything they heard or saw. Although The Crucible is fictitious, the story depicts the historical information of the Salem witch trials, and blends them with fictitious characters with minds of their own to create a very realistic plot and conflict in this story.
Crucible Essay Research Paper
Cunningham-1 David Cunningham English III-AP November 10, 1999 The Crucible Comparison Essay The Crucible is a drama, based on the Salem Witch Trials and reconstructed by Arthur
Comparison In Characters From
“The Crucible” And “The Scarlett Letter” Essay, Research Paper Scarlet Letter In The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, there are many characters that are similar to the characters of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. They might not be similar physically or mentally, but they share the same attributes and feeling towards things that effect their reputations.
Tale Of 2 Cities Justice Vs Injustice
Essay, Research Paper Justice VS Injustice Justice versus injustice, a battle fought since the time of man. Dickens’ most valuable message in A Tale of Two Cities is that justice will always triumph over injustice.
Injustice Essay Research Paper Injustice Injustice is
Injustice Essay, Research Paper Injustice Injustice is a problem which everyone faces. Nobody likes to suffer from injustice, yet they do it to others. In the novel, ” To Kill A Mockingbird ” written by Harper Lee, there
The Crucible And Inherit The Wind
– Injustice Essay, Research Paper Both Cates, in Inherit the Wind by Lee and Lawrence, and Procter, in The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, are both subjected to unjust laws. Both demonstrated that , “if the law is of such a nature that it requires one to be an agent of injustice toward another, then I say break the law,” as stated by Henry David Thoreau.