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Analytical Essay for the Crucible by Arthur Miller

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Analytical essay for The Crucible by Arthur Miller The Crucible by Arthur Miller is an interpretation of the Salem witch trials of 1692 in Puritan Massachusetts in which religion, justice, individuality and dignity play a vital role. These factors define the characteristics of many of the most significant characters in the play. Some of them being John Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, Reverend Hale, Danforth and many others. The Salem witch trials were a result of the lack of expression of individuality and the fact that no individual could expect justice from the majority culture as a result of the deterioration of human dignity in the Puritan society of Salem. The Puritan religion intertwined relation with daily social and state affairs of …show more content…

The limit on individuality is one of the many causes for the Salem witch trials, Abigail’s choice of accusing other individuals of performing witchcraft was a result of fear to punishment for her secret demonstration of individuality. At first, Abigail used witchcraft as an escape goat of her possible punishment. As the trials scaled higher levels, she found satisfaction from the trials because she went from being just another powerless member of society to becoming her own individual and holding the most dangerous and grand power of all. “Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the power to make you commit injustices” Voltaire. As soon as Abigail gained the individuality that she longed for, her dignity deteriorated to the point of committing injustices. The deterioration of justice in Salem was well represented by the unjust sense of guilty until proven innocent that defined the court’s process of determining the outcomes of the trials. “I have no witness and cannot prove it, except my word be taken” (56). John Proctor’s reluctance to tell Hale what was discussed between him and Abigail portray the fear of being labeled as a guilty individual and losing a precious amount of dignity due to the unjust procedures in court. In order for him to maintain his dignity and innocence, he would have to have a witness and proof of his declaration, which he

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