The Putnam Influence In the beginning of “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, Thomas Putnam is introduced as a wealthy man near the age of fifty. He is a very influential citizen of Salem, possibly more influential than Reverend Parris in the famous witch trials. The two men have one thing in common, they both use the problems of the town towards their own benefits. As a result of their intent, both of their roles are included throughout the entirety of the play. Putnam's influence seems subtler than Parris's, however, Putnam's very nature leads to conclude that he has a bigger lead in the trials than expected.
Putnam's past justifies his behavior, as least somewhat. His father was a wealthy man, with a will set for Thomas and his brother. Typical of his behaviour, Thomas Putnam tried to break his will so leave an unfair amount to his brother, which …show more content…
She must be taken and hanged!" (Miller 44). Nonetheless, it's really during the end of the witch trials where this Putnam influence really comes into play. The court starts incriminating the women and men accused of witchcraft, and Thomas Putnam is supportive at almost every trial. "... his name is so often found as a witness corroborating the supernatural testimony..." (Miller 15). This passage from the book explains Putnam's voluntary involvement in the trials, "witnessing" the witchcraft of the town.
This means that Putnam had a high influence in the trials, by directly affecting who was persecuted in order to profit from their land. Arthur Miller used Putnam as a manipulative character to help shape the plot of "The Crucible”, yet without being over imposing. If it weren’t for Thomas Putnam's stubbornness, Reverend Parris wouldn't have been so forthright in the accusations as well. In a way, Putnam's behavior enhanced Parris's actions, leading to the discerning basis that Putnam's influence was greater than
Putnam's past justifies his behavior, as least somewhat. His father was a wealthy man, with a will set for Thomas and his brother. Typical of his behaviour, Thomas Putnam tried to break his will so leave an unfair amount to his brother, which …show more content…
She must be taken and hanged!" (Miller 44). Nonetheless, it's really during the end of the witch trials where this Putnam influence really comes into play. The court starts incriminating the women and men accused of witchcraft, and Thomas Putnam is supportive at almost every trial. "... his name is so often found as a witness corroborating the supernatural testimony..." (Miller 15). This passage from the book explains Putnam's voluntary involvement in the trials, "witnessing" the witchcraft of the town.
This means that Putnam had a high influence in the trials, by directly affecting who was persecuted in order to profit from their land. Arthur Miller used Putnam as a manipulative character to help shape the plot of "The Crucible”, yet without being over imposing. If it weren’t for Thomas Putnam's stubbornness, Reverend Parris wouldn't have been so forthright in the accusations as well. In a way, Putnam's behavior enhanced Parris's actions, leading to the discerning basis that Putnam's influence was greater than