The Crucible Corruption Of Justice Analysis

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Corruption of Justice In 1962 in Salem, Massachusetts, the infamous “witch trials” took place. Set in a small, Puritan village, the town tumbles into chaos when young girls are found summoning the devil. A makeshift court is set up in the meeting house, or religious center of worship in the town, and justice is demanded by the people. Judges are brought into play and court authority is scattered amongst the villagers. From the dust and gravel, a court and system of justice is created. Soon, though, the court begins to be manipulated and crooked, becoming a system not of justice, but injustice. Characters such as Abigail, Putnam, and Parris embody the symbols of greed, vengeance, and pride; all three of these symbols contribute to the universal …show more content…
He uses the witch trials to increase his own wealth in the village by accusing people of witchcraft and then buying their land. As a selfish opportunist, he encourages the convictions because he knows that the more people imprisoned or executed, the more land he can acquire. Putnam is propelled by greed, and looks for any way to gain land or wealth by manipulating his power in the court. “She cannot bear to hear the Lord’s name, Mr. Hale; that’s a sure sign of witchcraft afloat,”(64). Putnam tells Reverend Hale. This quote is a perfect example of how Putnam adds to the hysteria in order to inspire convictions. Throughout the novel, Putnam slowly starts to realize how much influence he has on the system of injustice in the court of Salem. Putnam conjures up new ways to feed his greed, even using his daughter, Ruth, to blame others for him. Danforth tells Putnam in court, “Mr. Putnam, I have here an accusation by Mr. Corey against you. He states that you coldly prompted your daughter to cry witchery upon George Jacobs that is now in jail,” (220). Although the court brings attention to this statement. Putnam uses his control in the court to deny the accusation and it is set aside. Putnam’s greed alters the true justice of the court in Salem, transforming it more into an auction for his personal
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