ipl-logo

Fanaticism In The Crucible Analysis

1183 Words5 Pages

The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, relates the events of a witch trial taking place in Salem, Massachusetts, in the spring of 1692. The spark that ignites this story begins with a mediocre offense of the time: young maidens dancing in the woods. However, the events become hyperbolized and spun to a point that order devolves into chaos and truth devolves into lies. Such a progression of corruption throughout the book is representative of the major theme of The Crucible, which is the religious fanaticism that plagues the settlers of Salem from logical thought throughout the four acts. Another literary aspect accompanying the religious corruption is the general archetype of logic who is represented by a number of characters, though most notably through …show more content…

Through the juxtaposition of these entwined yet separate forms of logic can the breadth of religious fanaticism be seen. Hale, devout to his religion, is prideful of his abilities to distinguish the mundane from witchcraft, utilizing his religious texts and knowledge to do so; however, such devotion to his religion is misused by the people of Salem, for whenever there is a rumor or heresy that someone is involved in mystical happenings, he scrutinizes the suspect’s actions beyond the usual. Contrasting this to Proctor’s statement, it is paradoxical to the suspect since they will be guilty of the accused actions regardless of what they may do. Regardless, both Proctor and Hale utilize their logical knowledge to refute the other’s claims, thereby defining the general theme of religious fanaticism in a unique approach that supplies reason to both sides - for reason and logic, while synonymous, are not exactly the same in meaning or …show more content…

Unlike most of the pro-theocracy reasoning before this, Danforth seemingly does away with any form of secularized logic and characterizes his actions and the punishments enacted upon the many convicted townspeople of Salem as “God’s law” (Miller 129), effectively representing the religious fanaticism that the book has been building up to and continues to build up in the remaining twenty-six

Show More
Related
1007 Words | 5 Pages

Due to paranoia, the once quiet town of Salem, Massachusetts has erupted with accusations, rumors, revenge, and in the end, death. The one thing that makes or breaks these characters is reputation. The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, goes back to the year 1692 when witchcraft took over Salem. Neighbors are now seen as enemies and no one can be trusted. Over 15 people died in this true, American event because of false, witchcraft accusations.

Read More
829 Words | 4 Pages

The judges in Salem, however, accepted it…” This implies that many people were being convicted on illegal evidence. They could be spared if they confessed but confessions were very rare (Brandt, p. 42) (Schiff). The fear of the Devil walking freely among Salem

Read More
789 Words | 4 Pages

Much of what happens in Salem still resembles some things we see in society today. The word of one man can change people’s ideas and images of another without conclusive evidence. What people fear the most can sometimes bind us together, even if it is not

Read More
533 Words | 3 Pages

Reverend Hale and Judge Danforth are two authoritative figures in The Crucible whose roles in society are to lead the community in the ways and likeness of God so that the people of Salem can, basically, be good Puritans. Despite their similar intentions, there are also blaring differences which distinctly separate the two and their beliefs. To start, both Hale and Danforth work chiefly to serve God and lead his people on Earth to live holy and just lives. When the question of the Devil and witchcraft arise within Salem, both men come to investigate and cleanse the town of evil. While Judge Danforth considers himself “a minister of the Lord” and does “not take a life without there be proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience

Read More
811 Words | 4 Pages

The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a dramatic play that expresses a very important message and that is how far people would go to save themselves from the hands of death. There are many characters in the Crucible who are guilty of taking innocent lives, but there are three major characters who, without a doubt, are the most at blame. The play takes place in the city of Salem, a city filled with people that would do anything to keep their reputation clean. Throughout the play, Miller is introducing multiple characters that experience changes in their decisions and negatively influence more people eventually leading up to the witch trials. The main point that the story revolves around is that people would rather lie and blame someone else instead of confessing and accepting the punishment.

Read More
1112 Words | 5 Pages

As Bob Marley once said, “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” Integrity is the quality of being honest and upholding one’s morals and principles. Living in a fast-paced and ever-changing society, human beings have come into contact with adversity and hardship all throughout history. Those who act with integrity during tough times have a major influence on those around them, and taking a stand and upholding ones’ beliefs and morals at great self sacrifice can inspire and encourage others to do the same. Arthur Miller’s 1953 play, The Crucible is a prime example of upholding integrity, and the characters within the play face difficult choices between doing

Read More
1240 Words | 5 Pages

Reverend Parris, Deputy Governor Danforth, and Reverend Hale’s desire for Proctor’s confession demonstrates their need to keep up their reputations and the well-being of the citizens of Salem. A motive for Proctor’s confession is for Reverend Parris and Danforth’s reputations to be upheld and avoid a rebellion of the townspeople against the court and leaders. Parris fears that if Proctor is to be hanged, then the town will attempt to overthrow the court for it’s dishonesty and rebel against him. Danforth’s beliefs are similar to Parris’: if Proctor does not confess, then his reputation of holding up an honest and valid court would be ruined.

Read More
609 Words | 3 Pages

The witches are on the hunt for the innocent souls of Salem with Hale stating, “The Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points” (Miller 1251). Hale is determined to use God’s mighty hand against the “evil witches”. This shows that Hale is faithful to Abigail’s accusations against the common people of Salem. At first, Reverend Hale is eager to prosecute, but as more innocent people are condemned, his compliance turns into distaste. His dissatisfaction eventually turns into rage when Hale shouts, “I denounce these proceedings!”

Read More
589 Words | 3 Pages

Look at the blasphemy! We are killing our generation, and you all refuse to believe that maybe this was a mistake! But instead we say we are curing Salem! John Proctor only wished to stop the killing and save his wife from prosecution, and so we pointed fingers at him next. Now John Proctor stands before you, an innocent man.

Read More
1353 Words | 6 Pages

Salem in The Crucible from Arthur Miller is the home to chaos and murder due to witchery that is still unclear as to whether it happened or not. These events caused major changes in the characters from start to finish, at the same time a change in society. Furthermore, calling what happened in Salem a tragedy is an understatement when Salem is clearly in a state of anarchy. Similarly, authority is discontinued and Salem enters a “she said he said” state of mind which only further confuses Salem while also hiding the true slaughterer of innocent Puritan people right in front of their faces. Furthermore, this rising anarchy inhibits the people of logical thinking and hides major perpetrators right in front of them.

Read More
630 Words | 3 Pages

Shawn Jande Ms. Clancy American Literature B3 15 November 2015 The Crucible Analytical Essay Imagine, being accused of a crime you didn’t commit by your neighbors and friends out of jealousy, and desire. This is what many people in the town of Salem had to go through during the time of the Salem Witch Trials. People's motives such as: gaining and maintaining power, and aspirations for what other people had caused them to make irrational, and atrocious decisions. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, desire and power drive characters to create chaos in the community.

Read More
966 Words | 4 Pages

The Salem Witch trials took place in Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693 where people were killed if they were thought to be witches. The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller writes about the witch trials and what happened during that time. The Crucible has many themes throughout the play. One prominent theme is the theme of mass hysteria. Mass hysteria is shown in many cases throughout the play such as the scenes when the people of the village of Salem are accused, in the court room while the people state their case, and when the townsfolk are about to be hung after failing to call out other witches.

Read More
914 Words | 4 Pages

Published in 1952, during a period of cold war tensions, which culminated in the ideological witch trials of the mcarthy era in America; The crucible by Arthure miller is set in 1692 during the witch trials in salem massachusetts. The author has used allegory to position the reader to draw parrelels betweeen the to time periods and critisize the persecution that occured in both eras. One of the main themes that Miller has used to portray this viewpoint is the representation of personal integrity. Integrity is the quality of having strong moral pronciples. This is acheived through strongly contrasted characterisation of characters such as Abigail williams and and Rebecca Nurse, aswell as the inclusion of textual features such as irony, symbolism

Read More
796 Words | 4 Pages

Because she feel the ‘others’ as danger, this leads to an urge to confront it or flee from it. Considering the general overview of 1690s in Salem, Massachusetts, it is observed that the government is ruled by theocracy, the rules which appointed by God are governed by the religious

Read More
984 Words | 4 Pages

The author, Arthur Miller, displays a theocracy to demonstrate a court's ignorance towards actual facts. A theocracy is a religion based government. Throughout the novel, The Crucible, the religion of the government corrupts decisions that are made in court. If someone was not a part of the church or did not attend every Sunday they were thought to be a witch, or at least dishonorable. Danforth, deputy governor, brought forth the main issue of the whole novel, "A person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between" (Miller 94).

Read More

More about Fanaticism In The Crucible Analysis

Related Topics

Open Document