By: Katie Jansen
Some people know jealousy as "green envy." Some people just know it as plain old jealousy, but everyone knows jealousy and the pain it can cause. Jealousy is a nasty emotion, causing nice people to act mean, calm people to act rash, and even the steadiest of tempers to rise. It lashes out with harsh actions and words, hurting many innocent victims. Jealousy causes people to act in abnormal ways, devious ways of hatred and deception, ways that most people would not normally act. Ultimately, jealousy is caused by a certain insecurity that a person has. This insecurity comes from not having what you desire, allowing you to be jealous of those who have it. Three main things that cause insecurity are: social judgment, rejection, and a person's level of self-worth. When insecurity is present, a person is more likely to be jealous of someone who feels secure because that someone has what that person wants: a feeling of security. The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, displays many acts of jealousy throughout the play. Many characters in The Crucible experience the power of jealousy, but only one is able to beat it. Jealousy is a terrible emotion, a very strong, controlling emotion, and extremely difficult to forget. However, to achieve complete happiness, it is necessary to learn from other people, accept who you are and become secure with yourself, therefore allowing you to get past your jealousy. Society is always worried about first impressions and how other people view them as a person. Everyone is afraid of judgment, of failing to make people like them and respect them. This insecurity of social judgment leads to jealousy and consequently, the actions that come with it. In The Crucible, Reverend Parris is jealous of John Proctor's good name. He is jealous of the respect that Proctor gets from others and the weight of his word in Salem. Because of this jealousy, Parris isn't too fond of Proctor. He has a feeling of