When the Puritans first arrived in Massachusetts, they were set on establishing a settlement that stuck strictly to rules from their Christian faith. However, as new conflicting ideas from other settlers were brought in, their trust in one another plummeted. In 1691-92, the Salem Witch Trials emerged from this course of events. The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, brings in a developed set of characters who exhibit this phenomenon. Reverend Parris, who has a key role in this play by going against church ideals and the court system, sets up dysfunction within the community. Both he and Hale play strong roles throughout, demonstrating their own authority to other characters by using the church. In turn, Salem’s dysfunction is caused by a dissolution
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He uses body motions to do this, “His eyes narrowing.” He questions Proctors authority aswell, “Now, sir, what is your purpose in doing so?” With both Danforth and Rev. Parris having manipulative personalities, the current court cases cause for arguments to erupt over control. He appears in this power dynamic at other points during the play as well. Danforth’s demonstrates this in Act three. “DANFORTH: “No, old man, you have not hurt these people if they are of good conscience. But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between.” (III.87). Danforth is referencing his authority as he says the phrase “A person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between”. He mentions there is no road in-between, he is talking about if his rules are not followed, then accused person might as well be punished in the society. Towards the end of Act four, Danforth is trying to assert power over Proctor by having him hanged. In context, Proctor will not sign a document disclosing that his name no longer belongs to him. With a power dynamic such as this one, matters quickly turn violent. This scene furthers the motion to Salem’s total
He uses body motions to do this, “His eyes narrowing.” He questions Proctors authority aswell, “Now, sir, what is your purpose in doing so?” With both Danforth and Rev. Parris having manipulative personalities, the current court cases cause for arguments to erupt over control. He appears in this power dynamic at other points during the play as well. Danforth’s demonstrates this in Act three. “DANFORTH: “No, old man, you have not hurt these people if they are of good conscience. But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between.” (III.87). Danforth is referencing his authority as he says the phrase “A person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between”. He mentions there is no road in-between, he is talking about if his rules are not followed, then accused person might as well be punished in the society. Towards the end of Act four, Danforth is trying to assert power over Proctor by having him hanged. In context, Proctor will not sign a document disclosing that his name no longer belongs to him. With a power dynamic such as this one, matters quickly turn violent. This scene furthers the motion to Salem’s total