Authority In The Crucible
Arthur Miller’s modern play The Crucible, takes place in Salem, Massachusetts during the Salem Witch Trials, in which the theocracy in the Puritan community causes mass hysteria during the accusations of witchcraft against citizens. Abuse of legal authority is viewed throughout the play, and social issues of intolerance are evident. Arthur Miller’s characterization of Thomas Putnam, Mary Warren, and John Proctor exemplify their purpose, motivation, and character traits.
In the beginning of the play, Thomas Putnam is introduced as an arrogant landowner. His superciliousness is evident when the narrator explains that he describes himself as “the intellectual superior of most people around him.” (172: all references from class text, Language of American Literature, McDougal Littel, 2000). Putnam is influential because of his wealth, …show more content…
Mary Warren later revokes her actions by testifying that she was simply acting; while she is being questioned, she confesses that she “cannot lie no more.’ (216). Mary demonstrates her meek and cowardly personality in the courtroom as she is questioned by Danforth by how she weakens in the face of opposition. This is apparent as she feebly answers Danforth, and the stage directions narrate how she “breaks into sobs.” (216). Her defense crumbles as Abigail and her friends pretend to be entranced by Mary's spirit in order to gain the court’s favor. Mary's character provides discernment to Abigail's influence on legal authority in the courtroom. It is apparent that Danforth is sympathetic to Abigail and the girls; his bias shows when Abigail and her friends pretend to be transfixed by Mary's spirit. Danforth skeptically states, “A little while ago you were afflicted. Now it seems you afflict others.” (225). Although Mary seems motivated to confess the truth, she is ultimately concerned with her own
In the beginning of the play, Thomas Putnam is introduced as an arrogant landowner. His superciliousness is evident when the narrator explains that he describes himself as “the intellectual superior of most people around him.” (172: all references from class text, Language of American Literature, McDougal Littel, 2000). Putnam is influential because of his wealth, …show more content…
Mary Warren later revokes her actions by testifying that she was simply acting; while she is being questioned, she confesses that she “cannot lie no more.’ (216). Mary demonstrates her meek and cowardly personality in the courtroom as she is questioned by Danforth by how she weakens in the face of opposition. This is apparent as she feebly answers Danforth, and the stage directions narrate how she “breaks into sobs.” (216). Her defense crumbles as Abigail and her friends pretend to be entranced by Mary's spirit in order to gain the court’s favor. Mary's character provides discernment to Abigail's influence on legal authority in the courtroom. It is apparent that Danforth is sympathetic to Abigail and the girls; his bias shows when Abigail and her friends pretend to be transfixed by Mary's spirit. Danforth skeptically states, “A little while ago you were afflicted. Now it seems you afflict others.” (225). Although Mary seems motivated to confess the truth, she is ultimately concerned with her own