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Point Of View In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

990 Words4 Pages

Points of view creates, contrast, entertainment and clashes characters to strengthen a story. Arthur Miller suggests one’s point of view often contrasts from another. An example found in The Crucible is the members of the court, and the villagers of the town Salem. The majority of the town members agree with the court’s point of view, however there are some that oppose their ideas. Occurrences such as witchcraft, values and relationships are examples of this. Values are decided on the thought of what’s important, and how it benefits you. Miller explores how the court and villagers in The Crucible have contrasting points of views on values. For example, the villagers take pride in life, but also their status in life. Salem is a town where …show more content…

The villagers experience fear, as the court recognizes witchcraft as a sign of Satan. Therefore, are afraid that the court will assign harsh consequences to those who are accused of witchcraft. The first sign of fear in The Crucible comes from Reverend Parris. As he says with wide eyes, “There be no unnatural causes here…..put out all thought of unnatural causes here”. The quote suggests that Parris is afraid of the thought of witchcraft. As it can damage his reputation and make him a ‘person of interest’. Another example of the villager’s point of view on witchcraft is Elizabeth Proctor. When Hale entered the Proctor house he questioned Elizabeth about her association with witchcraft. She denied it, and was defensive about the situation saying, “I am a good woman, I know it”. Pg.66. This shows the fear of being accused. The court possess a different point of view on witchcraft. Miller explains that it is not feared, but is repulsed. The members of the court often speak about witchcraft in anger or astonishment. This reveals itself on pg. 105, when Danforth questions John in anger saying, “What are you”? This shows that the town is easily influenced by the courts point of view. Because the court is repulsed and angered by witchcraft. Therefore, the villagers fear it and avoid being …show more content…

To save themselves from being accused the villagers will often turn on one another to free themselves from the penalties. For example, Abigail and Mary both slaves were portrayed as close friends at the beginning of The Crucible. However, as the story developed Abigail turned on their relationship and accused Mary of witchcraft. She did this by speaking the words, “Envy is a deadly sin, Mary”, in front of the court, whilst pretending to be bewitched by Mary. This is an example of how the villagers perceive relationships, they can be used to one’s advantage but can also be caring. Miller is explaining that there are contrasting points of view about relationships. Views such as the courts, being used as evidence and excludes the loving side. The villager’s views differs, however the majority see them as

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