According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, power is the “possession of control, authority, or influence over others” (Power). Men held a majority of the power in the Salem community in the 1600s. The Salem Witch Trials in Salem, Massachusetts, in the 1600s, are an example of the results of people suddenly acquiring power. The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, shows how when individuals who are not used to power, gain it, the effects can be disastrous. When weak people gain power without restrictions, it can get out of control, causing others to become defenseless.
People feel weak when they have no control over their life or surroundings. Sometimes people are powerless because of their gender, age, race, religion, disability, or social class. Miller tells in his play, The Crucible, that many adults thought that the children should be “Anything but thankful for being permitted to walk straight, eyes slightly lowered, arms at the sides, and mouths shut until bidden to speak” (Miller 4). The children had absolutely
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They might use their newfound power in harmful ways. When Mary Warren got power from being an official of the court, she took things too far. She tells John Proctor that “I would have you speak civilly to me, from this out” (Miller 60). Her power made her feel like she could disobey her boss. It was very shocking for a child to act like this to an adult in the Salem community in 1692. Social Psychologist Ian McKee stated that “People who are more vengeful tend to be those who are motivated by power, by authority, or by the desire for status” (Price). Some of the characters who got unexpected power in The Crucible used their new authority to get revenge. Abigail gained her power by accusing Tituba of witchcraft (Miller 42). Abigail then received the respect that she had desired her whole life. However, she grew out of control and soon began charging dozens of innocent people with