Crucible Essay
The Salem Witch Trials, which occurred in the late 17th century in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, were a dark and tragic period in American history. Through Arthur Miller’s play, “The Crucible”, readers have been given a closer look into the hysteria and paranoia of the time period. The play’s characters and events serve as a representation of the underlying causes of the trials. By analyzing The Crucible, it is possible to identify the causes of these trials which are depicted as a complex mix of factors including societal tensions, religious fervor, and personal grievances.
First, there were societal tensions present in Salem at the time of the trials. The community was going through a period of change and uncertainty, with increasing competition for land and economic resources. In the Crucible, this is seen when Ruth Putnam accuses George Jacobs of witchcraft so that his father Thomas Putnam can purchase all of the
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Many of the accusations of witchcraft were motivated by personal animosities and grudges. Accusers could use the trials to settle personal scores with their enemies. For Example, this is seen when Ann Putnam who, bitter that all 7 of her babies died, accuses Rebeca Nurse of witchcraft out of spite. This is because Rebeca Nurse had had eleven children and twenty-six grandchildren. This causes more turmoil in Salem since now it seems that if Rebeca Nurse, one of the most highly respected citizens in Salem and its surroundings, can be declared a witch than no one is safe. Moreover, another example of this is Abigail’s grievance with John Proctor. She is furious that he no longer shows love for her so she tries to kill his wife to regain his affection. By pretending to be attacked she uses the already growing concern of witches to assists her in her endeavor to gain John Proctor’s love. Therefore, these grudges lead to many innocent people who were falsely accused and