Examples Of Self Preservation In The Crucible

Self-preservation is “the protection of oneself from harm or death,” and is usually driven by a state of fear or pain. It’s not meant to be selfish or inconsiderate but more of a safety mechanism programmed into an organism's brain to ensure lasting survival. The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller in 1953, expresses how out of fear of being condemned one will attempt to preserve themselves at the expense of others.
Abigail Williams is one of the biggest conflicts in the play. We learn that she danced and brewed poison with Tituba and had a relationship with John Proctor, a married man. When Reverend Parris discovered the girls in the forest he confronted Abigail and accused her of witchcraft, and Abigail was put into a tough situation. She

Whether Mary was in the forest that night is unclear but it’s noted that she did know about Abigail’s plan. Mary didn't want to be involved, but because she knew the truth she was forced into Abigail’s lies. Mary could’ve come clean about what really happened and she wouldn’t face punishment, but she’d face the wrath of Abigail for the night that Abigail was accused she addressed the girls with, “we danced. And Tituba conjured Ruth Putnamns dead sisters. And that is all. And mark this. Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you. And you know I can do it,” (Miller AI, 20). To save herself Mary pretended, despite many innocents dying from her decision. Another example occurs only in the movies when she tells the judges that the girls are lying about witchcraft. While alone, Abigail and the girls approach Mary threateningly, trying to hurt her for ratting them out. Though, when confronted, the girls pretend to be attacked by Mary’s spirit, and when accused of witchcraft by Judge Danforth Mary immediately resorts to lying and blames John for tempting her into witchery. Mary was being attacked by both the girls and the judges and no one believed her when she told the truth, so Mary pushed the blame to John Proctor. Mary Warren did it for her safety,

Upon discovering that rumours of witchcraft within his household has spread throughout Salem, Parris freaks out. He reminds Abigail that “there is a faction that is sworn to drive me from my pulpit,” and if his enemies hear of the rumours “they will ruin me with it…[and they] will [spread the news of witchcraft] out,” (Miller AI, 10). Parris is less concerned with his daughter’s condition and the witchcraft than how his enemies may ruin him if they hear of these accusations. However, his mindset changes when the girls become popular for exposing Salem’s witches, and Parris supports the girls’ efforts despite believing their claims or not. Because his daughter is “saving Salem from the Devil’s work,” he no longer fears for his downfall and believes that he has rebuilt his good reputation. Although McCarthy and Parris didn’t mirror the other’s actions, they did share a common goal of preserving their reputations through exploiting others’