In order for a society to flourish, there must be a balance of order and freedom. In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, the Puritan theocracy almost complete restrains the freedoms of the townspeople, but several people oppose the oppression. John Proctor represents individual freedom, while the Salem court and the Puritan theocracy symbolize repression of freedom. When Proctor tries to make his case for the falsehood of the witchcraft accusations, Deputy Governor Danforth warns him,“We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment” (Miller 89). The Salem Court strips the townspeople of their freedoms by allowing no privacy and investigating into their lives. After Giles refuses to mention a witness’ name, Reverend Parris declares, “the Devil
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However, few people would choose to die to preserve their integrity. Through the story of John Proctor in the The Crucible, Arthur Miller conveys the theme that it is better to die with one’s own truth than to live a lie for others. After he confesses to witchcraft, Proctor refuses to sign the confession because he knows it will be posted on the church for everyone to see. He proclaims, “God sees my name; God knows how black my sins are! It is enough” (Miller 142). Proctor is stressing that the opinions of the townspeople do not matter, and that sin is a personal issue. Individuals must deal with their morality by themselves, which is more important than putting on a pretense of virtue. As Danforth continues to try to convince Proctor to sign the confession, Proctor declares,“You will not use me! It is no part of salvation that you should use me” (Miller 143). The court means to pressure Proctor to confess in order to use him to save their reputation. If Proctor signs the confession and it is put on the church door, everyone in Salem will be able to see it. Because Proctor is a respectable man, the townspeople will believe him, and this will restore the credibility of the Salem court. Proctor will be set free and be able to live, but he will have to deal with the guilt of giving up his integrity. After struggling with his conscience, Proctor eventually tears up the confession and announces to everyone, “You have made your …show more content…
In The Crucible, a play by Arthur Miller, Reverend Hale is a respected spiritual doctor who buys into the idea that witches are corrupting Salem. Through his actions throughout the trials, Hale demonstrates the ability of honorable people to be taken hold of by lies. As Hale is questioning John and Elizabeth Proctor, he muses, “This is a strange time,,, no man may longer doubt the powers of the dark are gathered in monstrous attack upon this village. There is too much evidence now to deny it” (Miller 64). At first, Hale is fervent in his belief that the Devil has infiltrated the village. As a result, he signs death warrants of many accused witches. Although Hale tries his best to make virtuous decisions, he does not realize the error of his ways. However, later in the witch trials, when John Proctor presents his case for the witches’ innocence, Hale recalls signing Rebecca Nurse’s death warrant, saying to Danforth, “I’ll not conceal it, my hand shakes yet as with a wound! I pray you, sir, this argument let lawyers present to you” (Miller 100). At this point in the witch trials, countless people have been hanged, and Hale starts to doubt the validity of the evidence. He becomes aware that the accused witches are unlikely of ever committing witchcraft, as they are righteous and upright,
However, few people would choose to die to preserve their integrity. Through the story of John Proctor in the The Crucible, Arthur Miller conveys the theme that it is better to die with one’s own truth than to live a lie for others. After he confesses to witchcraft, Proctor refuses to sign the confession because he knows it will be posted on the church for everyone to see. He proclaims, “God sees my name; God knows how black my sins are! It is enough” (Miller 142). Proctor is stressing that the opinions of the townspeople do not matter, and that sin is a personal issue. Individuals must deal with their morality by themselves, which is more important than putting on a pretense of virtue. As Danforth continues to try to convince Proctor to sign the confession, Proctor declares,“You will not use me! It is no part of salvation that you should use me” (Miller 143). The court means to pressure Proctor to confess in order to use him to save their reputation. If Proctor signs the confession and it is put on the church door, everyone in Salem will be able to see it. Because Proctor is a respectable man, the townspeople will believe him, and this will restore the credibility of the Salem court. Proctor will be set free and be able to live, but he will have to deal with the guilt of giving up his integrity. After struggling with his conscience, Proctor eventually tears up the confession and announces to everyone, “You have made your …show more content…
In The Crucible, a play by Arthur Miller, Reverend Hale is a respected spiritual doctor who buys into the idea that witches are corrupting Salem. Through his actions throughout the trials, Hale demonstrates the ability of honorable people to be taken hold of by lies. As Hale is questioning John and Elizabeth Proctor, he muses, “This is a strange time,,, no man may longer doubt the powers of the dark are gathered in monstrous attack upon this village. There is too much evidence now to deny it” (Miller 64). At first, Hale is fervent in his belief that the Devil has infiltrated the village. As a result, he signs death warrants of many accused witches. Although Hale tries his best to make virtuous decisions, he does not realize the error of his ways. However, later in the witch trials, when John Proctor presents his case for the witches’ innocence, Hale recalls signing Rebecca Nurse’s death warrant, saying to Danforth, “I’ll not conceal it, my hand shakes yet as with a wound! I pray you, sir, this argument let lawyers present to you” (Miller 100). At this point in the witch trials, countless people have been hanged, and Hale starts to doubt the validity of the evidence. He becomes aware that the accused witches are unlikely of ever committing witchcraft, as they are righteous and upright,