Logic And Reason In The Crucible

In The Crucible, logic and reason play an active role as the counterpart to the fear that fills the Puritan society and the characters themselves. The characters Proctor and Hale represent the voice of reason against the voices of fear. Though they are outnumbered by those who give in to the paranoia, they stick with what they believe is right despite knowing they will become a pariah. On the other hand, Danforth and Parris represent the driving forces of fear and paranoia that plagues the minds of the people in their society. Society’s reaction to their driving force is to comply because to do otherwise is to be an outcast, and to be an outcast could result in one’s death. The most prominent voice of logic and reason in this fear filled

Parris and Danforth are those voices that are heard loud and clear, therefore swaying the majority to side with them in their fear. In the beginning, Parris is the preeminent character conveying the fear. Though the paranoia is evident within his character, it is his selfishness and pride that amplify that emotion. Like Proctor, Parris values his name and reputation. However, unlike Proctor, Parris lets his pride impede him from thinking logically. “...do you understand that I have many enemies?,” then Parris goes on to say, “There is a faction that is sworn to drive me from my pulpit. Do you understand that?” (Miller 10). At this point within the play, Parris’ daughter is more concerned with how others will view him, rather than hearing the truth about what Abigail and his daughter, Betty, had done. Upon gaining the knowledge that they had committed an abomination and it will bring unwanted attention upon him, Parris seeks out an easy way to avoid it, rather than doing what is right. As the plot goes on, Parris only weakens as the situation grows more out of control. “You cannot hang this sort. There is danger for me. I dare not step outside at night!” (Miller 119). Accusations of witchcraft result in hangings and as these hangings go on, Parris becomes more and more threatened. The worry in in his mind is not focused on the possibility of innocent’s deaths, it is focused on

The desire to fit in is within everyone to some degree. Although it is not morally correct, the people go along with the majority to feel as though they belong. In this case, society as a whole gives into their fear or goes along with the majority because if they do otherwise, they will be seen as an outcast. To be an outcast in this time will very nearly get one killed. Outcasts are easily seen as dangerous and could effortlessly be accused of witchcraft. Mary Warren is a character who is faced with a choice to either make the right decision, or give in and confess. If Mary makes the right decision to tell the truth, her chance of getting hanged increases. However, if Mary gives in and confesses, she will not be an outcast and her chance of living becomes more prominent. In the end, Mary Warren confesses and goes against Proctor’s word. The pressure of her imminent fate breaks her and she blatantly lies in order to save her own life. To Proctor, she says, “You’re the Devil’s man!” (Miller 110). This corroborates Proctor’s impending death. Logic and reason is the definite counterpart to fear and paranoia, especially seen in The Crucible, and the Puritan society itself. The main characters in this play either see logic and reason, or give in their fear of the unknown. The society around these characters feel the need to fit in, therefore they follow those voices that speak louder to them and those surrounding.