Hysteria replaces common sense and allows the people to believe that their neighbors, whom they have always considered respectable people, are committing illogical and unbelievable crimes– communicating with the devil, killing babies, and more.
In “The Crucible”, the townsfolk accept and become active in the hysterical atmosphere not only out of true religious devoutness (God doesn’t allow interacting with the devil) but also because it gives them a chance to express kept feelings and to act on long-held grudges, claim other’s land, and settle old scores.
The most obvious case is Abigail, who accuses Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft and have her sent to jail.
Reverend Parris strengthens his position within the village, although temporarily, by making Proctor take the blame because he questions Parris’ authority.
The rich Thomas Putnam gains revenge on Francis Nurse by getting Rebecca convicted of the witchery murders of Ann Putnam’s 7 babies.
Thesis: In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, most residents of Salem act by following the majority, as the only option to survive, and joining the hysteria that is created by jealous, greedy, and illogical young girls.
Quotes:
1. “There is a misty plot afoot so subtle we should be criminal to cling to old respects and ancient friendships.” Act II (page 71)
Reverend Hale to Francis Nurse defending the witch trials in the face of the outrageous arrest of Rebecca Nurse. The court has taken the witch trials a little too far and accusing extremely innocent people and he is telling him that the people that they were once so able to trust, are completely against them.
The Essay on Miss Emily Father People Acted
In my opinion, William Faulkner displays a perfect example of the old saying, "what goes around comes around" in the short story A Rose For Emily. The main character, Miss Emily Grierson, doesn't know why the public eye looks at her the way it does, she also doesn't know why people act so differently around her. I believe it is strongly because of her father and the way he treated her while she ...
2. “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.” Act IV (page 132)
Reverend Hale to Elizabeth Proctor. Trying to convince her to force her husband into confessing. He realizes that he has made mistakes by following the madness in the community and is trying to save lives in the only way possible.
3. …”There is either obedience or the church will burn like Hell is burning!” Act I (page 30)
Parris to Proctor. Parris desires to secure his position as the minister. He is the third minister of Salem in seven years and does not want the community to have the ability to put him out.
Conclusion: The once pure, simple, and quiet village of Salem, Massachusetts was now only about personal rivalries greediness, rather than the loving and caring of family and friends in the small community.
