The Salem Witch Trials, in the early 1690s, were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people who were accused of witchcraft. This fearful hysteria that caused many deaths, is what later influenced literary works such as The Crucible. The significance of the title, The Crucible tie’s particular characters in the play through its meaning. The title figuratively means a place or occasion of severe test or trial. In The Crucible characters undergo internal trials that test their values. Through his use of characterization, Arthur Miller demonstrates in his play, The Crucible, a personal trial based on morals. Lying is easier when it comes to telling the truth. In Salem, one’s life depended on the deception. The test consisted on either you
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From the start, some overlooked the assumptions and thought they were frivolous. A character who didn’t even consider Salem’s opinion is Rebecca Nurse. Mrs. Nurse is a trustworthy wise old women who when first encountered with the frenzy said, “I think she’ll wake when she tires of it. A child’s spirit is like a child, you can never catch it by running after it” (I. 151-152). This quote demonstrates her firm belief that witchcraft is a lie and that the children are only acting. “Let us rather blame ourselves” (I. 151-152). Rebecca states. She identifies that it is there fault for their own problems, that to put blame on others is wrong. Everyone should look upon themselves but nobody in Salem wanted to take fault which made pointing a finger easier. Through personal vengeance, Rebecca has to pay the unfortunate price for telling the truth. Anne Putnam 's bitterness toward Rebecca results in Mrs. Nurse’s death. “Why, it is a lie, it is a lie; how may I damn myself? I cannot, I cannot” (IV. 209-210). This was Rebecca’s last test when the opportunity to lie was a chance at “redemption”. But essentially, she chose to pass by recognizing the
From the start, some overlooked the assumptions and thought they were frivolous. A character who didn’t even consider Salem’s opinion is Rebecca Nurse. Mrs. Nurse is a trustworthy wise old women who when first encountered with the frenzy said, “I think she’ll wake when she tires of it. A child’s spirit is like a child, you can never catch it by running after it” (I. 151-152). This quote demonstrates her firm belief that witchcraft is a lie and that the children are only acting. “Let us rather blame ourselves” (I. 151-152). Rebecca states. She identifies that it is there fault for their own problems, that to put blame on others is wrong. Everyone should look upon themselves but nobody in Salem wanted to take fault which made pointing a finger easier. Through personal vengeance, Rebecca has to pay the unfortunate price for telling the truth. Anne Putnam 's bitterness toward Rebecca results in Mrs. Nurse’s death. “Why, it is a lie, it is a lie; how may I damn myself? I cannot, I cannot” (IV. 209-210). This was Rebecca’s last test when the opportunity to lie was a chance at “redemption”. But essentially, she chose to pass by recognizing the