Sundaram 1 AP English Language and Composition April 11, 2012 The Crucible Arthur Miller School Play / Drama

Ravenwood High

The Author and His/her Times: Arthur Miller was a playwright and essayist, born on October 17, 1915, and died on February 10, 2005. Some of his famous plays include: All my Sons, Death of a Salesman, and The Crucible. For The Crucible, Arthur Miller chose to write about Communism when Kazan from the House of Un-American Activities Committee named eight members of the Group Theatre as communists. Miller then went to Salem, Massachusetts to research about witchcraft, and wrote The Crucible as a play to bridge the two worlds, and reveal the strikingly shameful similarities. Arthur Miller wanted to tie the barbaric concept of witchcraft to the present time Red Scare, and show how the persecution of Communists is no better than the persecution of witches. Form/Structure/Plot: This story is arranged in a typical play format, with the character names and the preceding dialogue that follows. Oftentimes in the introduction or when introducing a new character, there is informational background text introducing the scene and/ or important character that has made his/her debut. This is a medium-size play, taking up around 145 book pages, and having 4 acts in which each act takes place in a distinct setting. The plot is relatively simple, with the main antagonist, Abigail, working to plot against the people of Salem by accusing them of witchcraft, and John Proctor, the protagonist, is working to liberate himself of the sins he committed, and find his identity and alleviate the burden of his past action. This play covered a time limit of about one season, or around 3 months. The beginning of the story starts out with Parris daughter in bed sick, and everyone in the village believes that the cause of the sickness is witchcraft. Everyone has the intent to get rid of witchcraft, and Hale comes believing that he can put an end to the witchcraft that is present, and he is excited to show what he knows, They must be; they are weighted with authority (talking about the weight of his books). However, by the end of the story, everyone is sick of the concept of witchcraft, and many witchcraft officials such as Hale himself, want nothing to do with the incident in Salem. Point of View: Since this is a play with each character having their respective lines to say the play can be classified as 3rd person. From the point of view of one selected character, the point of view can be described as 3rd person limited, since the character does not know about the thoughts or feelings of the other characters around him; only what he can perceive with his or her five senses. From the point of view of the reader, however, the point of view can be described as 3rd person omniscient since the reader can read the stage directions of the character (if reader sees that the character is nervous it might say: she hesitates, then ponders nervously) and glean a little more information about that characters feelings. In addition, when a new character is

Sundaram 2 introduced, the author will provide some insight about the character: his past, his qualifications, his character, and his appearance, all of which help the reader become more enlightened about other characters than other characters in the play. Character: Many of the characters in the play were 1-sided and unchanged at the end of the story. Characters such as Abigail and Parris remained unchanged for the most part. Abigail began the story as an agent of evil, trying to make a statement in the society by accusing many individuals of witchcraft. She did not care who she accused, and did not have any regards for the suffering caused by the accusations, nor did she have any regards for the ultimate implications that would occur, such as the hangings of the main characters. In addition, Parris, who began the story as worried over the mysterious illness that had befallen his daughter, was only concerned about his daughters health in that any relation to witchcraft would affect his own reputation. Throughout the play, Parris was predominantly worried about his own wellbeing, and even at the end of the play, he was distraught mainly over the fact that his money had been taken by Abigail before she left. The main protagonist of the play is John Proctor, and the main antagonist is Abigail Williams. The minor characters in the play serve to accentuate the purpose of the more major characters present. For example, when Danforth (a more minor character) is trying to get John Proctor to sign his name, his insistence on Proctor to sign makes Proctor realize that honesty is the most important value above all, and that his name is what he has left, and must keep it by any means possible, even if it means death. Some of the main central characters in the play are John Proctor, Abigail Williams, Reverend Hale, and Reverend Parris Elizabeth Proctor, Danforth, Mary Warren, Putnam and Giles Corey. John Proctor was a farmer in his mid thirties, he was a pretty noble man who had good virtues (except when he cheated on his wife), had a decent family and had an honest living; Proctor was the main protagonist in the novel as he is transformed from a person who wallows in his own self guilt to a person of pure heart at the end of the play when he is hanged. Proctor is famous for claiming the importance of his name, Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies!(Miller 143; Act 4). Another important character is Abigail Williams who is a seventeen year old girl who John Proctor committed adultery against. Abigail is a poor girl who never had much in her life, and she is the main antagonist who starts the rumors of witchcraft and begins blaming the people she does not like. Abigail serves no moral purpose in the story, and the only thing she is skilled at is ruthless cunning and plotting to send those she despises to their graves. Abigail starts talking about witchcraft immediately, Uncle, the rumor of witchcraft is all about; I think youd best go down and deny it yourself(Miller 10; Act 1). Reverend Hale, another key character, can be described as nearly forty years of age, a tight-skinned, eager-eyed individual(Miller 32; Act 1), who was eager to come to Salem and crack the case of witchcraft. Hale thinks very highly of himself as he compares himself to the best minds of Europe (kings, philosophers, etc.); Hale is the one who comes to verify the presence of witchcraft in the village, and to do whatever he can to rid the village of whatever witchcraft remains. At the end of the play, when many innocent characters are meeting their end, Hale begs Proctor to confess because Hale believes the death of Proctor will be on his hands, Excellency, it is enough he confess

Sundaram 3 himself. Let him sign it, let him sign it(Miller 141; Act 4). Reverend Parris is another important character who is both flat and static. Parris is in his middle forties and is a greedy minister who cares mainly about his own standing in the village and about his own monetary wealth. Parris is a minor character in the novel that appears to simply add fuel to the fire of important scenes. His dialogue contributes to conflict between the protagonist, who dislikes him for his greed, and Parris seems always to be on the side against Proctor except until the very end (where he still really only cares about himself). Parris can be seen as a very depraved and corrupt character many times throughout the play, Thirty-one pound is gone. I am penniless. He covers his face and sobs(Miller 126; Act 4). Here the reader sees that even though Abigail and Mercy are gone, and that several prominent people in the village are about to be hanged, he is weeping at the loss of 31 pounds, which is only half of one years salary for him. Putnam is a flat and static character who is a middle age or slightly elderly and slightly wealthy property owner who is greedy and unscrupulous and seeks only to increase his land gain. He uses his daughter as a tool of which to declare others in possession of witchcraft so that he can have their land. Putnam is a good representative of many who blamed people for witchcraft as many people who blamed others had the same intentions as himthey wanted more land. His role in the play is to show the mindset behind how the common man went about blaming people for witchcraft, and the reasons behind his censorious behavior. His greed can be demonstrated at the village trial, He had no right to sell it. It stands clear in my grandfathers will that all the land between the river and(Miller 32; Act 1). His quick jump to anger reveals his sensitivity to any issues regarding property rights, and this sensitivity gives away his eagerness to try and verbally accuse anyone of questioning his ulterior motives. Mary Warren was a 17 year old girl who was genuinely innocent, but has a weak volition and weak set of beliefs. Her role in the play was to show that even the innocent could get involved in the mess of the witchcraft when she blamed John Proctor for witchcraft in court. She is a static character in that although she went from trying to protect the Proctors, she ended up blaming them; she always had a weak will in both the beginning and the end of the play. She went from harmless to harmful when she blamed John Proctor in the court, Mary Warren, hysterically, pointing at Proctor, fearful of him: My name, he want my name. Ill murder you, he says, if my wife hangs! We must go and overthrow the court, he says!(Miller 119; Act 3). In the end, she is just an innocent girl turned evil by the whole witchcraft craze. Another crucial character in the play is Deputy Governor Danforth who is described as a grave man in his sixties, of some humor and sophistication that does not, however, interfere with an exact loyalty to his position and his cause(Miller 85; Act3). Three adjectives that describe Danforth would be oblivious, ignorant, and unintelligent. Danforth is an ignorant character who leads the witchcraft trials in Salem. He believes that what he is doing is right, and that all that oppose him or the court are to be labeled as guilty. His role in the story is to try all the suspected individuals and provide the proper punishment. One quote from Danforth reveals his feeling of superiority to others due to his position on the court, Disrespect indeed! It is disruption, Mister. This is the court of the supreme government of this province, do you know it?(Miller 86; Act 3). He is an absolutist that does not regard the ideas of others unless they are in accordance with

Sundaram 4 his own, and this expresses his view. Giles Corey is another character in the play that has some significance in that he is another innocent bystander who is killed, and his account for his death is of some importance to both the witchcraft trial issue along with the story. Giles Corey is an elderly lawyer who seemed to lack some feelings in the beginning, he admits that his wifes book readings were harmless, and in the end faced death triumphantly, Great stones they lay upon his chest until he plead aye or nay. With a tender smile for the old man: They say he give them but two words. More weight, he says. And died(Miller 135; Act 4). Finally, the last important character in the novel is Elizabeth Proctor. She can be described as honest, a bit introverted (cold), yet caring. Elizabeth is generally cold-natured yet caring and compassionate; she really does care about her husband, but could not truly connect with him until the very end of the story when she truly believes that he has become a good man, Elizabeth, supporting herself against collapse, grips the bars of the window, and with a cry: He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him(Miller 145; Act 4). Elizabeth is a crucial character that strongly influences the character of the protagonist of the play, and her acceptance of him at the end gives him the strength to face death bravely. Setting: the play takes place in Salem, Massachusetts in the year 1692. The setting is described through the dialogue of the characters as a pretty uneventful town in which witchcraft hysteria is brewing. The setting in the story is significant in that it takes place in one of the most religious societies of the time, and the people of Salem would do anything if it means glorifying their religious beliefs. When witchcraft was mentioned in this society, the people did not take the time to repudiate the claim, or ascertain more information about the truth of the matter; rather, they wanted no part in it, and would sell out any individual if it meant saving their own selves. There were a few people, however, such as John Proctor, who were noble and selfless, and died a peaceful death. The atmosphere created by the setting is one of relative ignorance and skepticism, along with mistrust. The people of the town have mistrust of one another and care more about their own religious prominence than the people close to them. The setting is crucial to the work because Salem, MA was one of the few places where widespread witchcraft trials occurred, and because of the religious fervor there, the witchcraft incident could be prolonged for quite some time. Diction: The types of diction that are present in the story vary from character to character, although the diction that is predominantly used is a formal, weighty diction. Characters such Tituba and Herrick are seen as less educated, and as so, use a diction that represents one who has not learned to speak properly. An example of informal diction is shown by Tituba who talks about the Devil, We goin to Barbados, soon the Devil gits here with the feathers and the wings(Miller 122; Act 4). The usage of such words as goin and gits demonstrate that Tituba has a rudimentary grasp of the English language; therefore, diction by these characters are more light and comical. On the other hand, characters such as Hale and Danforth are more educated since at the time, ministers and anyone involved with a theological profession, along with high-standing political members such as Danforth received the highest quality of education.

Sundaram 5 When Hale is convincing Elizabeth to talk to John about his confession, he uses a more formal diction, You know, do you not, that I have no connection with the court? She seems to doubt it. I come of my own, Goody Proctor. I would save your husbands life, for if he is taken I count myself his murderer. Do you understand me?(Miller 131; Act 4). In comparison with Titubas diction, Hale uses both proper vocabulary and proper grammar which shows that proper diction is a direct reflection of the intelligence and importance of the character. The more influential characters in the play use a greater level of formal diction. The characters in the play generally do not utilize any imagery or other rhetorical devices although they do use flowery language that is characteristic of linguistic patterns at the time period of which the characters live in. If there is any informality present between the diction of the characters, then there is absolutely no informality present when the author narrates the play; he solely uses formal diction to describe the characters and remain as aloof as possible from the reader as to only supply the necessary information about the character described. Danforth in court questions Abigail using formal diction, These will be sufficient. Sit you down, children. Silently they sit. Your friend, Mary Warren, has given us a deposition. In which she swears that she never saw familiar spirits, apparitions, nor any manifest of the Devil. She claims as well that none of you have seen these things either. Slight pause. Now then, it does not escape me that this deposition may be devised to blind us; it may well be that Mary Warren has been conquered by Satan, who sends her here to distract our sacred purpose. If so, her neck will break for it, but if she speak true, I bid you now drop your guile and confess your pretense, for a quick confession will go easier with you. Pause. Abigail Williams, rise. Abigail slowly rises. Is there any truth in this?(Miller 102; Act 3). Here one can see the dexterous usage of formal diction. Danforth uses more intelligible words such as deposition, manifest, guile and pretense to more efficiently glean information from the person he is interrogating. His serious conviction that is observable through his diction demonstrates his position in society, and his prominence and authority in the witch trials. At the end of the play, Proctor demonstrates his extrication from the bondage that worldly sins have left upon him, Proctor, with a cry of his whole soul: Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!(Miller 143; Act 4), to which Danforth replies, Is that document a lie? If it is a lie I will not accept it! What say you? I will not deal in lies, Mister! Proctor is motionless. You will give me your honest confession in my hand, or I cannot keep you from the rope. Which way do you go, Mister? His breast heaving, his eyes staring, Proctor tears the paper and crumples and he is weeping in fury, but erect(Miller 143-144; Act 4). Here John Proctor demonstrates a change in the nature of his diction which is represented by the change in the nature of his mindset. At first, John Proctor is seen as a coward as he fears the gallows, and is at the brink of a full confession when he realizes that sometimes the easy way out is not always the morally correct way out. The fact that he utilizes repetition shows his confidence that is

Sundaram 6 demonstrated in his diction; the absolutism of his dialogue also shows his confidence, along with the exclamation marks that represent his strong conviction in his new cause. Hale pleads with Elizabeth to convince John and her to confess and not unnecessarily commit suicide, Let you not mistake your duty as I mistook my own. I came into this village like a bridegroom to his beloved, bearing gifts of high religion; the very crowns of holy law I brought, and what I touched with my bright confidence, it died; and where I turned the eye of my great faith, blood flowed up. Beware, Goody Proctorcleave to no faith when faith brings blood. It is mistaken law that leads you to sacrifice. Life, woman, life is Gods most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it. I beg you, woman, prevail upon your husband to confess. Let him give his lie. Quail not before Gods judgement in this, for it may well be God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride. Will you plead with him? I cannot think he will listen to another(Miller 132; Act 4). Here Hale is near at a loss for words when he pleads to Elizabeth. He uses religious diction to justify reasons for why John and Elizabeth should not let themselves be killed by the authority of the village. The diction is also representative of his profession since he is a minister, and his resorting to religious diction shows that he is uncomfortable and must resort to something he knows a great deal about. Syntax: The sentence structure in this play is characterized primarily by simple sentences when characters do not have much to say; however, when fueled by controversial dialogue by other characters, or when emotionally moved, some of the characters tend to enter large monologues that utilize a variety of sentence structures including Compound, Complex, and Compoundcomplex, along with periodic and cumulative sentences. The periodic sentences demonstrate the need for the attention of key points in the play. Cumulative sentences are also used to provide the reader with additional information. For the most part, rhetorical questions are fairly common, while repetition and parallel structures are also present to add weight to, and convey, key points. An excellent example of syntax is when Proctor is giving a short speech on the importance of his name, Proctor, with a cry of his whole soul: Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!(Miller 143; Act 4), to which Danforth replies, Is that document a lie? If it is a lie I will not accept it! What say you? I will not deal in lies, Mister! Proctor is motionless. You will give me your honest confession in my hand, or I cannot keep you from the rope. Which way do you go, Mister? His breast heaving, his eyes staring, Proctor tears the paper and crumples and he is weeping in fury, but erect(Miller 143-144; Act 4). First Proctor utilizes repetition when he repeats the word because to demonstrate the many reasons he has to show for both the gravity of his decision, and the importance of his name. Furthermore, Miller uses many exclamatory marks to emphasize his passion for the issue for which he is advocating. Nowhere in the novel does John Proctor use so many exclamation marks, and at this point it is evident that what he is saying has a strong meaning to both the storys outcome, and his characters outcome. The number of exclamation marks and the use of repetition, along with the rhetorical questions

Sundaram 7 showcase the serious tone that is being observed, and solidifies the theme of honesty and selfrighteousness over cowardice. Concrete Detail/ Imagery: The characters in the play do not tend to use imagery in their speech; however, imagery can be found in text for when the author is describing a particular scene. At the beginning of Act One, the author uses vivid imagery to describe the setting, There is a narrow window at the left. Through its leaded panes the morning sunlight streamsThe room gives off an air of clean sparseness. The roof rafters are exposed, and the wood colors are raw and unmellowed(Miller 3; Act 1). The use of imagery in the play setup serves to provide an accurate rendition of the setting that the author had envisioned. By saying that the sunlight streams the author shows that the day is nothing special, and that something out of the ordinary occurs that will begin to change many things. In addition, the description of the wood serves to portray how the cabin at the time seemed, and the materials used to give the reader a vivid description of the house that the story takes place in to illustrate the socioeconomic status of Parris in his society. Symbolism: There is not much symbolism present in The Crucible, but the story as a whole can be considered as an allegory. The stupidity of McCarthyism is demonstrated in the story when deputy governor Danforth conducts the trials of the accused and moreso when Danforth believes that everything he is doing is properly justified as correct both in the name of the villages morals and in the name of God. During the trial period, when people were simply accused of witchcraft, that meant that the person was guilty of the crime and had to (ironically) lie by pleading guilty to open themselves to God and spare their lives. The witchcraft hysteria was at its roots a slippery slope where more and more people continued to blame each other, and lives were destroyed (as evidenced by cows walking amuck on the streets) all based on virtually no evidence. This is a story similar to Animal Farm in that Animal Farms allegorical play on Communism used a different scenario to portray Russian Communism in an emphasized, dramatic way that would leave a greater impression on the reader. Ironic Devices: There were not a significant amount of ironic devices in the play; however, there were a few significant ones present. The author used ironic devices to showcase one of John Proctors main flaws in the play, Proctor, as though a secret arrow had pained his heart: Aye. Trying to grin it awayto Hale: You see, sir, between the two of us we do know them all. Hale only looks at Proctor, deep in his attempt to define this man. Proctor grows more uneasy. I think it be a small fault(Miller 67; Act 2). This was his response to when he could only recite 9 of the 10 commandments; the only one that he couldnt recite was the one about adultery, which was an example of verbal and situational irony because he was caught in a situation with Hale and Elizabeth where he openly demonstrated that he didnt know that commandment ultimately alluding to his affair with Abigail. Another example of irony would be when John Proctor asks his wife, Elizabeth to testify on the court that Proctor did have a relationship with Abigail, yet Elizabeth lies for the first time in her life to protect Proctors name; in the story, the reader knows from Proctors description of Elizabeth that Elizabeth never lies and never has lied, yet it

Sundaram 8 is ironic when she does lie to help Proctor, and it is even more ironic when her notion of helping him actually hurt him. Tone: It seems that from the authors purpose of writing this play, and from narration from the author, the tone in this play is characteristic of a depressed-for-humanity, cynical tone. All of the characters that the reader may grow attached to meet their end; the witchcraft trials leave the purest and most innocent hanging from the gallows. As seen from the very beginning of the novel, the author describes the very first character with much negativity, At the time of these events Parris was in his middle forties. In history he cut a villainous path, and there is very little good to be said for him. He believed he was being persecuted wherever he went, despite his best efforts to win people and God to his side(Miller 3; Act 1). The very first character is described as wicked and clueless, and the author makes it seem like there is little hope for humanity. This is carried out through the plot of the story as more people are blamed for witchcraft, and the village of Salem sinks deeper into its rut. Figurative Language (Tropes): Throughout the story, most examples of figurative language are metaphors and similes, and to a lesser extent, there are a few examples of personification and allusion disseminated throughout the play. Since the play primarily consists of character dialogue, and since the characters are not masters of rhetoric, figurative language is a rare occurrence in The Crucible. An example of simile can be seen when Danforth is talking to Proctor and he asks him to tell his story and account of what he believed was going on in the village with respect to witchcraft, Now, what deposition do you have for us, Mr. Proctor? And I beg you be clear, open as the sky, and honest (Miller, 93; Act 3). This shows that Danforth wants Proctor to not tell a lie and reveal everything that he knows about anyone involved. Another example is one of metaphor when Danforth is questioning Abigail about involvement with witchcraft, Children, a very augur bit will now be turned into your souls until your honesty is proved. Will either of you change your positions now, or do you force me to hard questioning? (Miller 102; Act 3). Here Danforth compares his interrogation process with that of an augur bit which is sort of like a drill bit. His means of interrogation seem to be like drilling into the human mind and soul in order to extract information. This reveals that Danforth can be a cold, unrelenting character and do whatever he needs to, to accomplish his goals. Another example of metaphor is when Danforth is talking about how he wants to finish this dreadful witchcraft issue in the village, Bring her out! And tell her not one word of whats been spoken here. And let you knock before you enter. Parris goes out. Now we shall touch the bottom of this swamp. To Proctor: Your wife, you say, is an honest woman(Miller 111; Act 3). He refers to the case as, the swamp, which shows his own distaste in the whole witchcraft case. The people of the village seemed excited at first, now it seems that they have grown bored and tired of this apocryphal affair. An example of allusion is when the verdict has been decided and Proctor has decided to trade his name for his life, when Rebecca says, Let you fear nothing! Another judgment waits us all!(Miller 144; Act 4), meaning that the secular judgment of the world is meaningless, and Gods judgment past the gates of death are what truly matter in the end.

Sundaram 9 Theme: There are many themes present in The Crucible, but the one that is the most important are that hysteria and mob psychology along with ignorance, can lead to chaos, misjudgment, and utter destruction in the face of justice. It can be seen in the story that the lack of the villagers intelligence led to the destruction of the lives of many, and has gravely impacted the families of the affected. The authors purpose of this allegory is to point out the illogicality of McCarthyism, and related Communist scares, and to compare it to the Salem witch trials, since many people know how barbaric the trials were, but they didnt know how similar the trials were to McCarthyism. The authors intent was to ridicule the conservatism in America that limited the beliefs of a certain group of people (the Communists) and how it contradicted the very rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. One major motif in the story was that absolute power corrupts absolutely; the power to blame others for witchcraft (and ultimately have them jailed and killed) was a useful tool for people to have their enemies placed out of power; such a power was used for unscrupulous means many times over throughout the play. Significance of Title: The title of the story was significant in that a crucible is a small container made of heat-resistant clay used to house reagents when a heat is applied to them. In chemistry, the crucible is used to store materials and then it is placed over a Bunsen burner where the reagent is heated up, and becomes a substance with a different identity, and to some extent different properties. The title The Crucible can aptly be applied to the story in that the towns inhabitants are the reagent, and the town is the vessel itself, the crucible. After the town is heated up by political upheaval (the witchcraft trials), the identity of the town and the people change as the product at the end has a new identity. One person to look at would be Reverand Hale because at the beginning of the story, he seems excited to take part in helping Salem rid itself of witchcraft, but by the end of the story, he is a disheveled image of his former self; he has lost all confidence in his work and is nearly begging Elizabeth to convince John to confess and not be hanged because his death would be on Hales hands. Memorable Quotes: There are many memorable quotes in The Crucible, but one of the more memorable ones is when John Proctor declares his faith in his name, Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!(Miller 143; Act 3). When Proctor is about to sign his name to declare his confession, he realizes that if he signs his name, everyone he knows will know of the misdeed that he has done, including his sons and other friends and family; he realizes that death is not such a bad option when it comes for the tradeoff for his name because the name is the only thing he has lefthe doesnt want to lose that too. Another important quote by Hale emphasized the importance of religion in the society, Theology, sir, is a fortress; no crack in a fortress may be accounted small. He rises; he seems worried now. He paces a little, in deep thought(Miller 67; Act 2). This shows the gravity of religion in the puritan society; he calls theology and religion as a mighty fortress, and even the smallest crack (him not remembering the commandment), small as it may seem, is a sin nonetheless, and can bring the whole fortress

Sundaram 10 down. This is similar in nature to the Death Star in Star Wars Episode IV, A New Hope in that a small 2 meter crack (the size of a womp-rat) in a fortress this large resulted in the ultimate destruction of the edifice. When Danforth is on the court head, he proclaims the ultimate voice in judgment, Disrespect indeed! It is disruption, Mister. This is the highest court of the supreme government of this province, do you know it?(Miller 87; Act 3). This shows that he is like an absolutist monarch; he will not tolerate or dissent to the court, and views that when people fear the court, then they are guilty, when in reality people fear it from the fact that they will be killed for no good reason. In addition, Hale shows his confident viewpoint toward the destruction of witchcraft, Here is all the invisible world, caught, defined, and calculated. In these books the Devil stands stripped of all his brute disguises. Here are all of your familiar spiritsyour incubi and succubi; your witches that go by land, by air, and by sea; your wizards of the night and of the day. Have no fear nowwe shall find him out if he has come among us, and I mean to crush him utterly if he has shown his face! (Miller 39). This shows his absolute devoutness to crushing witchcraft, and reflects the importance of the hold that witchcraft has upon the Salem village. Hale does it again with another striking quote, Beware, Goody Proctorcleave to no faith when faith brings blood. It is mistaken law that leads you to sacrifice. Life, woman, life is Gods most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it. I beg you, woman, prevail upon your husband to confess. Let him give his life. Quail not before Gods judgment in this, for it may well be God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride. Will you plead with him? I cannot think he will listen to another(Miller 132; Act 4). By this point in the play, Hale has essentially just given up. He states that life is the most important gift, and nothing is greater than it, not honor nor apparently truth. He has taken to any method possible to prevent John Proctors death, and now he is almost at his hands and knees to implore Elizabeth to convince John to save his life. The reader knows, however, that saving his own life would be a selfish act. Research/ Literary Criticism: According to a source from the New York Times, The Crucible is a powerful play that had substantial similarities between unlawful justice from the 17th century and now, or the 20th and 21st centuries. Good people, in order to protect themselves and the status of their beliefs, have to blame other good people in a morally corrupt circle of vengeance. The play, on the contrary, does come in at second to the Death of a Salesman because the plot and construction of the play was cruder, and it lacked the simple eloquence of Death of a Salesman, and that the author feared the implications that would result from the publication of the book, and the ideas that would develop as a reaction to the play. Apparently, the most moving scenes are the intimate ones between John and Elizabeth Proctor, however, By the standards of Death of a Salesman, there is too much excitement and not enough emotion in The Crucible( Atkinson 5). In addition, according to a source by btweenthecovers.com, (between is spelled as btween on the url), the Crucible is a quick, enjoyable, and well-written play in which Arthur Miller accomplished his goals of showcasing the effects of the psychological consequences of mass hysteria, the way communities fall apart in the face of that hysteria, and what happens when conforming to those in power is deemed the moral thing to do while

Sundaram 11 opposition to that power is equated with evil(5), which is true for the most part; the comparison of McCarthyism was well-justified in comparison with the witch craze that ensued the village of Salem in 1692. Additional Commentary: Although The Crucible was relatively easy to understand and was a quick read, I did not find it particularly moving most likely because I was not present in the generation of McCarthyism and cannot relate to the message shared by the author. The strengths of this work were that it pointed out how people, in general, lacked rational thought when caught up in hysteria. This animalistic and rudimentary behavior found in most humans, as part of their Id, that is similar to Lord of the Flies, whereupon the Id was the driving force behind most of the destruction that occurred on the island. There will probably be no lasting experiences for me, although there are some important themes and ideology, along with good rational thought, present in this work that I will draw upon in the future. Bibliography: Atkinson, Brooks. "The Crucible." The New York Times. New York Times Company, 23 Jan. 1953. Web. 9 Apr. 2012. Bigsby, Christopher. "Book Review: The Crucible by Arthur Miller." Between the Covers. Btweenthecovers.com, 20 Mar. 2012. Web. 13 Apr. 2012.