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Confusion In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

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Recommended: A character study of the crucible

Confusion in the Cauldron Many people in society refuse to follow the rules. Whether they think they are above or below the law, part of the population feels that they aren’t obligated to abide by the same criteria as everyone else. Many pieces of literature that we have read this year have displayed the theme of civil disobedience. One piece specifically that beautifully portrays this theme is The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Throughout the hysteria that the witch trials bring to Salem, many Salem townspeople turn to civil disobedience as a way to cope with the confusion. Characters such as Abigail, Mercy Lewis, and the other girls lie to the general public about their encounters with witches. They disobey the civility of Salem, and quickly …show more content…

In the midst of the hysteria that has taken Salem by storm, the girls lie in order to save themselves from accusation of witchcraft. However, to spare themselves, they must sacrifice others. After many other women and men were accused the tide eventually made its way toward Elizabeth Proctor. When Abigail originally told the courtroom that she saw Elizabeth Proctor with the devil, Hale was there to hear it; and he was also the one to break the news to Elizabeth, “Question Abigail Williams about the Gospel, not myself! Hale stares at her. She do not mean to doubt the Gospel, sir, you cannot think it. This be a Christian house, sir, a Christian house” (Miller 1123). In reality, not all people do the right thing, dominating people manipulate for personal benefits, at the expense of civil liberties. Abigail accused numerous women, especially Elizabeth, for this personal benefit. While she was consciously aware that it was unjust to be doing what she was doing, she felt the reward was greater than the risk, and failing was a price she was willing to pay. Additionally, civil disobedience is displayed when Abigail lies to Parris in the beginning of the play. One of the first of her many lies, it similarly accompanies alongside the first example. While originally being accused of dancing with the devil, she pleads to parris,

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