Evidence In The Crucible

Salem, Massachusetts, a sleepy Puritan wonderland where God reigned supreme and not a sin was committed, until 1692. Between 1692 and 1693 was when the brutal Salem witch trials occurred, a time in which the smallest disgression could land an unfortunate soul in the gallows to hang. This time of witchcraft and wizardry is also the basis of the setting and plot for Arthur Miller’s famed Communist hunt allegory disguised as a stage play, “The Crucible.” Throughout the play, several examples of “spectral” evidence are used to justify otherwise baseless accusations of witchcraft. Sadly, this form of “evidence” was considered valid in court and led to the premature end of many lives. What caused this evidence to be believed and why was it used? The reason for this is revealed throughout the play, the strict control of the theocracy convinced people anything unusual could be of evil origin, which continued into the full blown use of spectral and supernatural evidence, which was upheld in court, reinforcing the theocracy. …show more content…
Throughout the play, the strangle hold theocratic thinking has on the townspeople of Salem is shown in what the characters say and do. Parris first shows theocratic thinking when he nervously recounts that “[He] discovered [Abigail and Betty] dancing like heathen in the forest” (10). He continues after questioning Abigail that his “enemies will ruin him for [Abby and Betty dancing in the forest] (10). This provides an implication that something morally wrong not only gets looked down upon, but can actually ruin a person. This theocracy is further on display when proving religious devotion and theocracy was the difference between freedom and being taken to court. “Mary Warren:...Judge Hawthorne say, ‘Recite for us your commandments’’’...and of all ten [Sarah Good] could not say a single one. She never knew no