Corruption In The Crucible

All humans strive to appear as if they are the best people on the exterior for social gain. The conscience may be an entirely different story - a trainwreck- that doubts motives and actions. Reputation is a prime factor that drives the community of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible to the hangings of various innocent people. Reverend Parris highly regards his reputation more than standing up to a corrupt authority. Judge Danforth wrongly condemns and hangs townspeople, yet refuses to admit his faults. By contrast, John Proctor is an ashamed lecher and prioritizes saving his wife and saving the unjustly convicted people who are still alive with the truth. Throughout The Crucible, Miller utilizes corrupt male authority figures to show that falsely
When being accused of discovering witchcraft, Parris says to Thomas Putnam, “In my house? In my house, Thomas? They will topple me with this!” (16). Due to the fact that the reverend is a well-respected religious figure, he fears the association with the Devil’s presence will taint his spirit and good name. His uncompassionate attitude towards the “curse” on Betty demonstrates the reality of the inequitable court system. Fearing that the townspeople will prosecute him, Parris consults Danforth of Proctor’s sunday activities to deflect blame on Mary Warren and John Proctor. He says, “Such a Christian that you will not come to church but once a month!” (90). Reverend Parris utilizes his religious influence to wrongly accuse others of witchery. This authority figure clings to his inherent power as a minister to gain social acceptance of the citizens of Salem. It is no surprise that the townspeople only show respect to his religious attributes, so he desperately clings onto every drop of reverence. Interestingly enough, Parris arraigns others without proof, yet he prevaricates. Parris unwillingly admits to discovering the girls dance in the woods during the trial: “Aye, sir” (105). At this point, his pretense promotes distrust amongst the other authorities. Parris acknowledges that revealing such information discloses that he saw the girls dancing,
In consequence, this destroys individual dignity, unjust executions, and loss of justice, throughout The Crucible. In today’s world, people prioritize how others perceive them rather than being truthful, moral people for themselves. For example, politicians with immense influence will do anything to appeal to their audience, rather than following their own conscience. They are breathing and living puppets with the people controlling their puppet strings. Months before election day, these special species of humans attempt to please as many people as possible, but often forget about the will of the people when actually elected. People who base their self-esteem on how others regard them often lead to unhappy, egocentric, people-pleasers. In the end, people will lose their individual pride and dignity while not being honest to themselves. The Crucible wonderfully exhibits the dangers of placing reputation over the truth, thus emphasising the importance in honesty rather than a good name. Buddha once says, “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the