Gender inevitably control the channels of power. Especially in a theocratic society, power is decided on unfair factors, which is uncontrollable by those on the wrong side of this norm. Even in modern day non-theocratic societies, this norm are still current, making an unfair challenge for many women. This issue is apparent in The Crucible, as the Puritan religious beliefs lead the men to the conclusion that women are inherently below them, limiting their power in society. As Arthur Miller depicts in the Crucible, power must be derived from various sources as a woman. Despite living in a time of male dominance, characters such as Abigail Williams, Rebecca Nurse, and Betty Parris defy this norm and obtain power through various sources, which
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When Parris suggests bringing Hale to Salem, she attempts to be sensible about it, saying, “Pray, John, be calm. (Pause. He defers to her.) Mr. Parris, I think you'd best send Reverend Hale back as soon as he can. This will set us all to arguin' again in the society, and we thought to have peace this year. I think we ought to rely on the doctor now, and good prayer. (28). Rebecca Nurse obtains her power through her wisdom, which becomes apparent when she attempts to stop Parris from getting Hale in the town. Further, Nurse possesses the intellectual ability to recognize that bringing in Hale would lead to arguments, and would disrupt their peace in their society. She also recognized that they should instead leave it to the doctor, who will use more medical and logical solutions that Hale would, and would not cause hysteria within the town. The respect Rebecca Nurse gained respect in the town allows her to possess a great reputation, which boosts her towards power, as is seen when Hale first talks to her. When Rebecca Nurse asks if he knows her, Hale replies by saying, “It’s strange how I knew you, but I suppose you look as a good soul should. We have all heard of your great charities in Beverly” (37). In the Puritan and modern society, it is very difficult to obtain a large amount of wealth while maintaining one’s reputation and the respect of people in the society and others outside of it. Through her wealth and reputation, Rebecca Nurse obtains power, as the respect she shows and is given leads to her being allowed to have an input into the affairs of the town and the men in it. She exhibits this ability and her wisdom when she says “I have eleven children and I am twenty-six times a grandma, and I have seen them all through their silly seasons” (27). She seemingly flexes her reputation, especially due to the presence of Goody Putnam. Rebecca
When Parris suggests bringing Hale to Salem, she attempts to be sensible about it, saying, “Pray, John, be calm. (Pause. He defers to her.) Mr. Parris, I think you'd best send Reverend Hale back as soon as he can. This will set us all to arguin' again in the society, and we thought to have peace this year. I think we ought to rely on the doctor now, and good prayer. (28). Rebecca Nurse obtains her power through her wisdom, which becomes apparent when she attempts to stop Parris from getting Hale in the town. Further, Nurse possesses the intellectual ability to recognize that bringing in Hale would lead to arguments, and would disrupt their peace in their society. She also recognized that they should instead leave it to the doctor, who will use more medical and logical solutions that Hale would, and would not cause hysteria within the town. The respect Rebecca Nurse gained respect in the town allows her to possess a great reputation, which boosts her towards power, as is seen when Hale first talks to her. When Rebecca Nurse asks if he knows her, Hale replies by saying, “It’s strange how I knew you, but I suppose you look as a good soul should. We have all heard of your great charities in Beverly” (37). In the Puritan and modern society, it is very difficult to obtain a large amount of wealth while maintaining one’s reputation and the respect of people in the society and others outside of it. Through her wealth and reputation, Rebecca Nurse obtains power, as the respect she shows and is given leads to her being allowed to have an input into the affairs of the town and the men in it. She exhibits this ability and her wisdom when she says “I have eleven children and I am twenty-six times a grandma, and I have seen them all through their silly seasons” (27). She seemingly flexes her reputation, especially due to the presence of Goody Putnam. Rebecca