In Death of a Salesman and The Crucible, Arthur Miller is saying that power corrupts society and the citizens within it. In both stories, authority-holding individuals make decisions to better their own lives, and negatively affect others. Through the actions of Judge Danforth and Howard, Miller shows us that people with money and/or power are selfish; their only ambitions are to better themselves, even if it isn’t for the greater good.
A prime example of this narcissistic behaviour would be Judge Thomas Danforth’s entire existence. Throughout the movie, it is clear Judge Danforth wants to appear stern, and maintain respect for the court. After already sentencing multiple villagers to hanging, Danforth states that he will not stop convicting people until every last bit of the devil is gone from Salem. The man continued to put the incriminated on trial for witchcraft, forcing them to pick between death or betrayal of their religion. Other high-ranking officials started telling him that the accusations were getting out of hand, but Danforth…show more content… Howard is Willy Loman’s boss, but looks about half of Willy’s age. In short, Howard fires Willy. Now, that doesn’t seem like that big of a deal out of context right? Like a guy just got laid off, oh well. But Willy had been working for the company for the last few decades… his entire career. Willy says he even helped name Howard with his dad when he was born. Furthermore, Willy requests a mere $50 dollars a week to keep his job with the firm. Howard, being the businessman he is, basically throws all of that loyalty out of the window. Howard didn’t give a rip about Willy or his history with the company. He’s just in it for himself… for the money. Howard was given his position of power by his father and (this seems like a reoccurring theme at this point…) exploits it for his own personal
