In the 17th century, Puritans migrated to present day Massachusetts and established one of the first settlements in the new world, Salem. The Puritans adhered to a strict religious lifestyle. The puritanical ways they abided by resulted in the formation of a theocracy, a combination of church and state. This devout group expressed zero tolerance when accusations of impropriety were brought around. The Puritans’ uncompromising government led to many predicaments, especially those associated with individuality. Arthur Miller, author of The Crucible, wrote his play based on true accounts of Salem. Arthur Miller’s play criticizes the intolerance of the theocratic government and the rampant hysteria found in the community. Miller wrote, “The witch-
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Giles Corey to display the hysteria found in Salem. Mr. Corey creates much panic not only though his individual actions, but also, the actions of his wife. Mr. Corey reveals his wife’s, Martha Corey, interest in reading books, thus, triggering hysteria throughout the community. Mr. Corey asks Reverend Hale, “’Mr. Hale, I have always wanted to ask a learned man what signifies the readin’ of strange books?’” (40). The Puritans believed the only book worthy of reading was the Bible; therefore, the disclosure of Martha reading “strange books” is not taken lightly. The authorities believe the books Martha is accused of reading are associated with witchcraft; Martha is arrested for the accusation made by her husband. Mr. Corey learns from the mistake of revealing his wife, and he refuses to expose anybody else to the authorities. Mr. Corey says, “’I will give you no name. I mentioned my wife’s name once and I’ll burn in hell long enough for that. I stand mute’” (97). Giles’ refusal to give the names on the deposition produces much panic. Mr. Corey’s contempt of the court makes the authorities hysterical because without proof, they are unable to try those on the list. Mr. Corey is determined to not let the theocratic government win, even in his last minutes of life. Elizabeth Proctor says to John
Giles Corey to display the hysteria found in Salem. Mr. Corey creates much panic not only though his individual actions, but also, the actions of his wife. Mr. Corey reveals his wife’s, Martha Corey, interest in reading books, thus, triggering hysteria throughout the community. Mr. Corey asks Reverend Hale, “’Mr. Hale, I have always wanted to ask a learned man what signifies the readin’ of strange books?’” (40). The Puritans believed the only book worthy of reading was the Bible; therefore, the disclosure of Martha reading “strange books” is not taken lightly. The authorities believe the books Martha is accused of reading are associated with witchcraft; Martha is arrested for the accusation made by her husband. Mr. Corey learns from the mistake of revealing his wife, and he refuses to expose anybody else to the authorities. Mr. Corey says, “’I will give you no name. I mentioned my wife’s name once and I’ll burn in hell long enough for that. I stand mute’” (97). Giles’ refusal to give the names on the deposition produces much panic. Mr. Corey’s contempt of the court makes the authorities hysterical because without proof, they are unable to try those on the list. Mr. Corey is determined to not let the theocratic government win, even in his last minutes of life. Elizabeth Proctor says to John