The Crucible By Arthur Miller

Words: 1369
Pages: 6
Open Document
The classic play ‘The Crucible’, written in 1953 by Arthur Miller, contains many major characters that assist in embodying an idea. The play tracks the development of Reverend Hale allowing readers to understand the flawed and unwavering theocratic and authoritative governing system evident in Salem. Hale develops throughout the play, changing from an incredibly naïve and authoritative character who the readers have an aversion towards to a virtuous and righteous man who is respected for his actions by the readers. In this way, Miller is effective in developing the character of Hale throughout the acts.
The Crucible is an allegorical play based upon the real life witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts, 1692 and the ways in which they …show more content…
Hence, Miller is outlining the idea that in an authoritative government, proof is far more important than morals or compassion representing the severity of the governmental system. This further brings to light the dangers of moral absolutism and the possible decline of a society. In Act 2, readers are positioned to respond more positively towards Hale and to some extent, sympathise for him. Hale holds a position of powerlessness- he realises the flaws in the court yet he does not have the power or position to contest against it. As a result, Miller, through Hale is successful in positioning readers to respond incredibly negatively towards this ruthless governing system.
In Act 3, Miller portrays Hale as an honest who becomes incredibly courageous and brave allowing readers to fully understand the highly flawed totalitarian reign. It is in Act 3 where Hale changes the most and hence, readers can understand the incredibly unjust and hard system of governing. Hale questions the authorities of the court with a newfound strength and courage that he did not contain before. The line ‘but it does not follow that everyone accused is part of it’ shows Hale’s evolving character as well as the exploitation of the court. As a result, readers completely condemn both the theocracy and the court by finally being able to see the many flaws it contains through Hale’s character. It is in the line ‘I denounce these proceedings’ that Hale clearly outlines the incredibly
Show More

Related Documents: The Crucible By Arthur Miller

Syllabus: University of Cambridge and Cambridge Pre-u Syllabus Essay

qualifications, including the Cambridge Pre-U. There are resources for teachers and candidates written by experts. CIE also endorses a range of materials from other publishers to give a choice of approach. More information on what is available for this particular syllabus can be found at www.cie.org.uk. Syllabus updates This syllabus is for teaching from 2011 and is valid for examination in 2013, 2014 and 2015. If there are any changes to this syllabus, CIE will write to Centres to inform them. This syllabus…

Words 5225 - Pages 21

Dromas: Political Campaign and Relationships Holden Attempts Essay

“fall”—out of innocence and into adulthood. Holden cannot prevent them from doing it or save them, just as he cannot prevent or save himself from becoming an adult. This recognition brings about a huge emotional release for him, and he begins to cry; the sky emulates him with a thunderstorm. Most of the other adults take refuge under the carousel’s canopy, but Holden stays out in the rain. Whether we are meant to take this action as one of defiance or acceptance is, like the remainder of the novel’s ending…

Words 4470 - Pages 18

Silent Spring - Rachel Carson Essay

Information ©2000-2007 BookRags, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The following sections of this BookRags Premium Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources. ©1998-2002;…

Words 30115 - Pages 121