The Crucible Theme Analysis

Of the themes propagating The Crucible, three are prevalent among others. These are Authority vs. Individual Freedom, Abuse of Power, and the Search for self, or internal struggle. Abuse of power is probably the most extensively used theme amongst those three mentioned.

Take for example a rather simple conversation between Proctor and Parris, where Proctor implores Parris, “Can you speak one minute without we land in Hell again? I am sick of Hell!” to which Parris promptly replies, “It is not for you to say what is good for you to hear” (Miller 17). It is clear that Parris is the leader of the conversation, since Proctor is asking for him to change the conversation, and since Parris refuses him bluntly and rudely. Though that dialogue

He is known for the quote, “Do you know who I am, Mr. Nurse,” (49) and, “[do] you doubt my authority?” (55). Danforth represents the the archetypal character type who will rely on his power to gain what he desires, simply through giving others fear that he will use his power to hurt them. He is rather paradoxical given the fact that he is a reverend, but at several times during the play it appears as if he is attempting to use the court as a launchpad for his own career. In fact, when he is faced with the possibility of the masses losing faith in the court system, he and Parris seem to be scared for the court as if it were their life in jeopardy. Danforth is cold and efficient in his calculated offering of a public confession to Proctor, but Parris offers the audience more insight into his feelings. Take for instance the scene direction that describes Parris screaming at Proctor to sign the paper “hysterically, as though the tearing paper were his life” (75). He knows that he is losing his abusive power over the people, and he is terrified of what the mob’s mentality might be once they were conned by Parris and Danforth into believing a lie. Even the actions of Danforth in putting Proctor into a situation where he has to lose his honor and live or die is an ample evidence of their abuse of