There are countless factors that shape individuals’ views of the world. One critical factor is a significant event in one’s life, which can have profound effects on that person’s outlook and viewpoint. More than anything else, particular events can linger in an individual’s thoughts and memories, and reform their feelings and attitudes. This phenomenon is observable in society and popular culture. For instance, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible highlights how single events can change an individual’s view of the world. In The Crucible, events change individuals’ views of the world when Arthur Miller shows characters different perspectives and forces them to think differently.
One incident in The Crucible that has an extensive effect on the characters’ …show more content…
The witch trials, undisputed by Proctor, leads to the arrest of numerous respectable members of the Salem community. This transforms the views of many characters in the drama, especially Reverend John Hale, a young minister who is initially the main force behind the witch trials. The arrest of the more prominent accused changes Hale’s beliefs by giving him a new perspective and challenging his firm superstition and unfaltering loyalty to the court. Hale 's change in view is demonstrated when he declares “I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court!” (Miller 111). Here, Hale reveals that, although he once had the utmost faith in the witch trials, and loyalty to the court, he is now questioning his beliefs and trusts. He is relinquishing his faith in the trials because of the arrest of the reputable members of the community. Hale now understands that if decent, blameless people, such as Proctor’s wife Elizabeth, are being arrested, it must mean there are faults in the court and in the accusers. While Hale once supported the witch trials, and truly believed that there were witches in Salem, the arrest of more highly regarded citizens modifies his perspectives and beliefs, and causes him to doubt the
One incident in The Crucible that has an extensive effect on the characters’ …show more content…
The witch trials, undisputed by Proctor, leads to the arrest of numerous respectable members of the Salem community. This transforms the views of many characters in the drama, especially Reverend John Hale, a young minister who is initially the main force behind the witch trials. The arrest of the more prominent accused changes Hale’s beliefs by giving him a new perspective and challenging his firm superstition and unfaltering loyalty to the court. Hale 's change in view is demonstrated when he declares “I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court!” (Miller 111). Here, Hale reveals that, although he once had the utmost faith in the witch trials, and loyalty to the court, he is now questioning his beliefs and trusts. He is relinquishing his faith in the trials because of the arrest of the reputable members of the community. Hale now understands that if decent, blameless people, such as Proctor’s wife Elizabeth, are being arrested, it must mean there are faults in the court and in the accusers. While Hale once supported the witch trials, and truly believed that there were witches in Salem, the arrest of more highly regarded citizens modifies his perspectives and beliefs, and causes him to doubt the