The Effect Of Peer Pressure In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

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Pressure is found in every aspect of our lives. Whether found at home, school, or work, stress is something that most will have in their lives. When looking back in history, we can see the influence of pressure. The play The Crucible by Arthur Miller follows the effect of peer pressure on humanities decisions. The actions of Parris, Hale, and Proctor in The Crucible are influenced as pressure is put on them, causing their true personalities to be revealed. Parris went through a lot of self-inflicted pressure that clarified his true personality. After being criticized for his actions and words at church, Parris comments to those surrounding him saying “I do not fathom it, why am I persecuted here? I cannot offer one proposition but there be a howling riot of argument. I have often wondered if the Devil be in it somewhere; I cannot understand you people otherwise” (Act I 29-30). Parris feels as though he is under pressure and scrutiny from the congregation, and so he shows that he feels he has the authority to say …show more content…

Parris exemplified the main quality of self absorption, but also that of stubbornness. Hale showed his motivation as being authority, which led him to go both with and against what the majority said was true. Proctor demonstrated that he lacks self control, but eventually showed selflessness and humbleness. A Crucible is defined as a severe test, which is a painfully correct term to use to describe this play. Giles, John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor, and Hale all passed this ‘severe test’ because of they allowed their life, whether literally or figuratively, to be taken rather than putting false blame on another. Parris, Danforth, Abigail, Mercy, and the others involved in the court failed the figurative test because of they pushed others down to get to the top and never tried to fix what they had