Examples Of Conformity In The Crucible

When the whole world is doing the right thing, it is easy to go along and follow. However, when it is unknown whether or not the right thing is being done,it is then that people are tested on their ability to do what is humane and just, versus what is just human. Conformity has been the foundation of many conflicts in the past, being an excuse for people’s lack of morality. In The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, conformity is satirized to show its effect on people. Salem, where the novel takes place, is based on a theocracy, which is innately conformist, enforcing strict codes of behavior. When the idea of witchcraft is brought to the town, the difficult decision of whether to conform to the church’s views and falsely admit to witchcraft or to

Although government claims to seek justice and the truth, the truth is impossible to come out by denouncing any views that are against theirs and accepting the ones that would assist in corrupting society even more through conformity. Reverend Parris and the other leaders express their intentions to seek the truth, yet threatens violence on those who do not adhere to their belief of witchcraft in Salem. Tituba insists their dancing in the woods was innocent, yet Parris uses his authority over her to force her to confess, saying, “You will confess yourself or I will take you out and whip you to your death…” (Miller 36). With Reverend Parris’ threat, it symbolizes the injustice in Salem and how acceptance only came through conformity, the alternative being death. Though the government was

Parris looks down on Proctor for even suggesting that the trials are invalid, and praises those who conform, even though they are merely lies. The lies are told because the townspeople do not realize that the power of the people is greater than the people in power and by enough people refusing to conform, the truth will come out and justice will be restored. Danforth even goes as far as to say, “you are either with this court or you are counted against it” (Miller 82) indicating that those who do not agree are punished to the same extent as those directly fighting it. Danforth is on the side of those who blindly conform, so people conformed for their own safety and approval from a powerful figure, adding to the corruption and suppression of the truth. The Hollywood Ten were forced to face time in prison because of communist influence in their movies. None of them confessed or added to the corruption, as they felt it was a violation to their rights and the first amendment. One member, Edward Dmytryk conformed and gave names of 20 colleagues that were communist. The ten were not allowed to be employed, but after Dmytryk’s confession, he was off the blacklist (“The Hollywood Ten” 1). This symbolizes the government's influence on people and using their power to implement fear amongst citizens. Government fails to act as a moral agent for its citizens, approving of