Psychological Warfare In Arthur Miller's The Crucible

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psychological warfare because the court is pressuring society to believe everything the court says, and if anyone objects to the court they will be arrested. Also, it places a belief in people’s heads that if someone believes another person is not a witch, than they too are witches. This creates a major psychological problem, as people are now afraid to express their opinions. Therefore, through pressuring and aggressive arrests, the court used psychological warfare to conduct witch trials and create the accusations of many people; however, the court was tricked by a certain individual who also used psychological warfare. Another way Arthur Miller demonstrated psychological warfare was through Abigail Williams. Abigail was the first person …show more content…
Arthur Miller shows this theme through the townspeople and society. A great example of panic comes from Tituba, Abigail, and a few other girls early in the play. Tituba and the girls, after realizing they are going to be found guilty, immediately panic and begin accusing several random people such as Sarah Good and Goody Osborn (Miller 47-48). These first accusations are a major example of the society panicking because Tituba and the others realize they are in trouble and accuse random people to save their lives. Another example of panic is seen when Elizabeth states, “they’ll be fourteen people in jail now” and “the Deputy Governor promise hangin’ if they not confess” (Miller 52). Mary later confirms this and reiterates stating “No, sir. There be thirty-nine now” (Miller 56). These statements made by both Mary and Elizabeth demonstrate the panic within society because within a short time dozens of citizens are being arrested. Also, the townspeople are showing panic because they are freaking out about who in town is a witch, and society at this point is highly untrustworthy. Later in the story, this panic is seen as hundreds of people are accused, adding to the tension and panic of society. The society as a whole demonstrates panic; however, panic is also seen within individual …show more content…
The story demonstrates the corruption of society and government in the early colonial times. The play shows readers how unjust a court can be against its citizens. Also, it demonstrates the role a society can have on the ideas and morals of a society. Many people during this time based their opinions on the norms of society. Finally, The crucible shows how society and mob mentality can cause panic within a town. The play also shows that when humans are placed in life or death situations, people will panic in order to survive. Arthur Miller shows these problems in the three themes of injustice, psychological warfare, and panic. Ultimately, Arthur Miller demonstrates societal problems that are prevalent throughout

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