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Power Of Greed In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

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Essay #2: The Theme of the Crucible The Crucible by Author Miller is a play about the tribulations that the people of Salem had to deal with because of the accusations one girl took upon herself to make. Throughout the play multiple themes were present. One essential theme is the “Power of Greed”; this is known through Abigail and her constant need for Proctor, Parris’ greedy when it comes to the church, Putnam gaining land, and Danforth’s desire to be at the top. Greed in accordance with Act I is primarily based upon Abigail. In terms of relationships, Abigail and John Proctor have a long history. When Abigail worked for the Proctor’s, John and her held a long affair until Elizabeth kicked her out and she moved to live with Parris. The witch …show more content…

He has an acquired taste for the more lavish life. Though Priests are supposes to live more simple lives, he lives a life of greed. He has been accused by Proctor saying that the bible “…tells me that a minister may pray to God without he have golden candlesticks upon the altar.” (Miller 62). Parris insisted on having gold candlesticks to make the church seem more decadent. However, his greed got in the way. Not only does he know he is greedy, but he does not try to deny it. Instead he gives reasons for the way he acts. Greed in terms of Parris is a definite thing that is wrong with …show more content…

Putnam is a very greedy man who always wants his way. He was the one that urged Parris to cry witchcraft in their town even if it would ruin Parris’ name. His greed was most visible when people were accused of being witches. He had his daughter, Ruth, cry witchcraft on multiple people. By doing this, he was able to obtain their land because if they were found guilty, they could no longer own it. Giles Corey announced at court “This man [Putnam] is killing off his neighbors for their land!” (Miller 89). The court however did not believe Giles and he eventually was accused for witchcraft himself. The greed that Putnam shows is based primarily on land. Those with more land are perceived as wealthier, Putnam being the self-indulged man he is, wants to be seen as wealthy compared to individuals surrounding

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Throughout history the fear of corruption and change has compelled people to go to drastic measures to prevent it. The Crucible, a play by arthur Miller, is set in an environment of religious citizens who fear that the devil and witchcraft will corrupt their society. Much like The Crucible, McCarthyism caused the citizens in America to fear corruption of the government by communism. Arthur Miller used his play the crucible as a direct response to McCarthyism and through this play Miller writes about the Salem witch trials during the McCarthy period to comment on how history repeats itself. The social and political factors in The Crucible resemble those in America during the red scare and McCarthyism.

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In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, the setting is Salem, Massachusetts during the late 1600s where the town’s pious Puritan beliefs directly influence their government. A 17-year-old girl named Abigail Williams had an affair with John Proctor, a wealthy, married man. Abigail is told by John to move on but instead, Abigail starts accusing the townspeople of witchcraft, including John Proctor’s wife Elizabeth. As this hysteria begins to rise, other people such as Thomas Putnam, a rich landowner, start to also allege Salem villagers. In this play, the author illustrates the central idea that people should not allow jealousy to control their actions.

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For instance, The Huntsman made a deal with the Evil Queen that she'll bring back his dead wife back if he brings back the prisoner that escaped into the dark forest back to her. This shows greed because he just wants his wife's live with him because to him it doesn't matter who he has to kill or capture to get his wife back. Secondly, In Washington Irving's “ The Devil and Tom Walker” Tom Walker's wife displays her greed by hiding useless things that are mostly used by the husband and the wife lie eggs but she hides it. For instance, “At length she determined to drive the bargain on her own account… to keep all the gain to herself .”

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