Danforth, Hathorne, and Parris become even more rigid in their views when they feel they are under attack. Examples Of Hypocrisy In The Crucible. In the Crucible by Arthur Miller is a play that is based of 1962 Salem Massachusetts, the site of one of the worst witch-hunts in history. It is not just, (Miller 129). Of course, we know that Danforth has been trading peoples lives for lies this whole time. Being a person, from Latin persona ("mask", per and soneo - "resound") means precisely "being a mask . The play is about human weakness, hypocrisy, and vindictiveness. She has the power to utterly destroy peoples lives with a single accusation because she is seen as a victim and a savior. Later in Act 4, Danforth becomes angry at the implication that Johns confession may not be the truth. He is somewhat responsible for all of the witch trials; if he wouldn't of committed adultery with Abigail, she wouldn't have gone on her rampage of blaming people. People could not take another's land unless it was left to them in a will; however, if someone were to be executed for a crime, that land belonged to the state and could be re-distributed. 41). The Crucible provides an example of how convenient lies can build on one another to create a universally accepted truth even in the absence of any real evidence. Hypocrisy, actually, didn't have a bad meaning until hypocrisy met politics in the 4th century B.C. The ruthlessness with which the suspected witches are treated is aimed at purifying Salem, but it achieves the opposite outcome. Fear that spread among a group of people in Salem during the Salem Witch Trials, that event in history is a prime example of Mass Hysteria. John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor, Reverend Hale, Reverend Paris, and Abigail are the main characters. This well-intentioned mistake seals both of their fates. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 Here are a few questions about hysteria to consider now that you've read a summary of how this theme was expressed throughout the plot of the play: Even though there is significant reason to believe Abigail is lying about Elizabeth's familiar spirit stabbing her, the frenzied investigators ignore testimony that challenges their chosen witchy narrative. This includes not only accusatory lies about the involvement of others in witchcraft but also the lies that people consistently tell about their own virtuousness and purity in such a repressive society. 133). The importance placed on reputation helps perpetuate hysteria because it leads to inaction, inflexibility, and, in many cases, active sabotage of the reputations of others for selfish purposes. The fear caused by the thought of supernatural evil in Salem causes the characters in the play to turn a blind eye to logic and instead believe in claims not backed by actual "hard as rock" proof. This fact could destroy his credibility, so he is biased towards continuing to trust Abigail. I am with God, I, Danforth expresses his opinions on lying when Mary Warren enter his court to confess herself and he begins the conversation by saying, How were you instructed in your life? In Salem the reason why so many women were killed was because of Mass Hysteria. And he goes to save her, and, stuck two inches in the flesh of her belly, he draw a needle out." The each profess to want truth and to desire to punish actual wrongdoers. She is clearly outspoken and dominant, but her initial position in society is one of very little influence and authority. What the people of Salem have seen as demonic possessions of the girls is nothing more than an act of deception. The seeds are planted in Act 1, when Abigail is questioned about her activities in the woods and ends up accusing Tituba of witchcraft to avoid punishment. She puts on a fake front to get what she wants, ultimately creating a persona thats even worse than that of the hypocrites she criticizes. makes them feel the best about themselves. Nowhere is there any consideration of ulterior motives. What motivates their attitudes and responses toward the witch trials? . In The Crucible, they all fear witchcraft, because there is a rumor going around. This act also sees the irony of Hale discussing the powers of the dark that are attacking Salem (pg. Because, the people of Salem will find out about the affair, this would weaken his reputation. The turmoil in Salem is propelled forward by desires for revenge and power that have been simmering beneath the town's placid exterior. Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. 129)He is still convinced that all the prisoners are guilty and is determined to force them to admit their guilt. While touting his holy credentials, he claims that he dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of my conscience may doubt it (pg. 118). In her conversation with John, Abigail claims that he helped her realize all the lies she was told by two-faced people in Salem who only publicly adhere to the conventions of respectable society (pg. Tituba is pressured to confess and name the names of other witches to avoid execution, which leads to Abigail and Bettys accusations, now validated by a coerced confession. Shes not a traditionally accepted target like the others (except in her susceptibility as a woman to the misogyny that runs rampant in the play). -Hypocrisy is the state of falsely claiming to possess virtuous characteristics that one lacks. John Proctor surrenders his agency at the end of Act 3 in despair at the determination of the court to pursue the accusations of witchcraft and ignore all evidence of their falsehood. Deception is a major driving force inThe Crucible. Tituba is pressured to confess and name the names of other witches to avoid execution, which leads to Abigail and Bettys accusations, now validated by a coerced confession. The idea that a witch's familiar spirit is capable of stabbing people is too scary for the superstitious and now hysterical people of Salem to give Elizabeth the benefit of the doubt. This is a lesson in how fear can twist perceptions of reality even for those who consider themselves reasonable under normal circumstances. Rebecca Nurse's accusation further demonstrates the hypocrisy in the play. 91). This lie essentially condemns both of them. Nowhere is there any consideration of ulterior motives. 50). The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Just like generosity, honesty and kindness are natural in people with those tendencies. Hypocrisy is just one of many personality traits along many spectrums. Later in the play, she is accused. He has sentenced people to death based on lies about their dealings in black magic, and he has accepted other false confessions from those who would rather lie than be executed. Even before the witch trials, the people of Salem are doing lots of little magic tricks to make all their unholy thoughts and actions disappear. If Danforth accepts Marys testimony, it would mean that he wrongly convicted numerous people already. This causes problems down the line as Parris allows his paranoia about losing his position to translate into enthusiasm for the witch hunt. Being a hypocrite is one of the worst things you can be called youre someone who criticizes others and yet does the same sin yourself. A Comprehensive Guide. Miller explains this further: ''long-held hatreds of neighbors could now be openly expressed, and vengeance taken, despite the Bible's charitable injunctions.'' 121). Compare and contrast three authority figures in this drama: Hale, Danforth, and Parris. Danforth, who has the most authority, is also the most sold on her act, and it only takes a few screams to persuade him that hes in the presence of witchcraft. And he goes to save her, and, stuck two inches in the flesh of her belly, he draw a needle out." I have given you my soul; leave me my name! (pg. He wrote the play as an allegory of McCarthyism, when the US government discriminated communists. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points, How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer. Danforth also acts out of concern for his reputations here. No one considers that the accusers are lying, partially because theyre seen as innocent children and partially because many witches confess to avoid the death penalty. Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Score, list of every single character in the play, details on the history and thematic parallels behind this connection. The town slips further and further into chaos and paranoia until it reaches a point of total devastation. Now that you've read about the most important themes in The Crucible, check out ourlist of every single character in the play, including brief analyses of their relationships and motivations. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. I will not have it said my name is soiled! This well-intentioned mistake seals both of their fates. 67). However, this runs up against Danforths desire to preserve his reputation as a strong judge. While I speak Gods law, I will not crack its voice with whimpering (pg. This makes him particularly averse to accepting that he's been fooled by a teenage girl. Hale doesnt realize that his own fears and suspicions are the real powers of the dark. The fact that he forgets only this commandment shows that he is trying extremely hard to repress his guilt. Read this character flaw list (with examples) for inspiration and develop interesting character weaknesses: 1. (pg. Reverend Parris' concerns about his reputation are immediately evident in Act 1. As John gives his confession, Danforth says to Rebecca Nurse Now, woman, you surely see it profit nothin to keep this conspiracy any further. This is irony of the same type that I discussed in the overview of this theme. Hypocrisy is not simply failing to practice those virtues that one preaches, or known as saying one thing but doing another. Both Hale and Proctor don't want to live with the consequences of their mistakes, so they try to ignore or undo their past actions. 73), meaning the girls are testing out the extent of the chaos they can create with their newfound power. I have given you my soul; leave me my name! (pg. Revered Parris claims to be a godly minister, yet he is always clamoring for more: golden candlesticks, property rights, more money. Arthur Miller speaks of Reverend Parris, stating: ''until this strange crisis he, like the rest of Salem, never conceived that the children were anything but thankful for being permitted to walk straight, eyes slightly lowered, arms at the sides, and mouths shut until bidden to speak.''. John tells the judge to summon Elizabeth to back him up because he knows she always tells the truth. The Crucible is commonly viewed as an allegorical representation of the communist "witch hunts" conducted in the 1950s. As he says, How may I live without my name? John feels incredibly ashamed of his affair with Abigail, so he tries to bury it and pretend it never happened. Many of us in today's society do not believe in this; however, the Puritans really did believe that people could be vessels for the Devil. People in power continue to believe the accusers out of fear for their own safety, taking the hysteria to a point where no one is above condemnation. In the book the Crucible there are many hypocrites some dishonest some just following any one to be guilty, but one of the many character is Judge Danforth he mocks Marry when he ask "How were you instructed in your life? Always include specific details, including direct quotes, to support your argument about how the theme is expressed in the play. Though actions are often motivated by fear and desires for power and revenge, they are also propped up by underlying worries about how a loss of reputation will negatively affect characters' lives. What are some of the factors that feed the panic and suspicion in Salem, and why are. All rights reserved. The Crucible by Arthur Miller is set in Salem in a Puritan community. 129). Read on for an overview of what a theme is, a list of important themes in The Crucible with specific act-by-act details, and a summary of how to use this information in your essays and other assignments. The court refuses to challenge anyone who claims to have been afflicted. Proctor changes from a normal citizen and sinner to a tragic hero with a high sense of morality. Essay prompts will ask about these themes in a variety of different ways. In this act, we learn more details about the accused that paint a clearer picture of the influence of reputation and social standing on the patterns of accusations. How do the actions of authority figures encourage the girls to continue their accusations and even genuinely believe the lies theyre telling? 123). Abigail's version of events is held to be true even after John confesses to their affair in a final effort to discredit her. Danforth and Mary Warren both embody hypocrisy, as seen when Mary says she cannot lie anymore and then lies when she becomes scared for her life, and Danforth when saying lying will send a person to Hell, but then forcing people to choose between lying and death. Well, it's not. Elizabeth doesnt realize that John is willing to sacrifice his reputation to save her life. Two characters who demonstrate how mob mentality can lead to the demise of Salem are Abigail and Mary Warren. He is known for making the right decisions and never going against them. 121). The town, already primed with rumors of black magic, is quickly willing to accept that the first few women who are accused are involved in black magic because theyre beggars and slaves. One such example would be the scene in which Proctor and Parris are discussing Parris style of sermon, when Parris randomly exclaims that he is not being provided with as much wood as his contract spells out, as well as arguing for an extra six pounds per year. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, we have Rebecca Nurse. Thomas Putnam claims to be a holy, church-going man, yet his priority in life is to acquire land. Irony abounds throughout The Crucibleascharacters who believe they are combating the Devils handiwork actually perform it themselves. John tells the judge to summon Elizabeth to back him up because he knows she always tells the truth. Interestingly, she was the first woman put to death in the trials. Danforth continues to demonstrate the effects of hysteria in act 4 even after things have died down a bit in Salem and there have been rumblings of discontent about the courts actions. Themes can be expressed in many different ways. He questions Abigail aggressively because hes worried his enemies will learn the full story of what happened in the woods first and use it to discredit him. In telling people they must confess to their crimes or be hanged, the officials show that they have already decided the person is guilty no matter what evidence is provided in their defense. hypocrisy is a flaw in human character that can be avoided if chosen to be. An example would be something like: "How are themes like hysteria, hunger for power, reputation, or any of a number of others functional in the drama? In another section, Miller explains the teachings of the Puritans and how it related to the mess that the trials became: ''These people had no ritual for the washing away of sins. Miller fills us in on much of the history in breaks in the play where he offers commentary in his own voice. The main pillars of traditional power are represented by the law and the church. . Danforth is the governor of Massachusetts who thinks of himself as a fair man. Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here: PrepScholar 2013-2018. In this act, she yells Dont lie! at Tituba immediately before she tells some of the most damning lies of the play accusing Tituba of witchcraft (She comes to me while I sleep; shes always making me dream corruptions! pg. Though the Puritans believed that children were not to be taken seriously, they are later convinced by the court officials that the children are the authorities on witchcraft. Thomas Putnam tells him to Wait for no one to charge you - declare it yourself.. Arthur Miller's 1953 play, ''The Crucible,'' features hypocrisy as a recurrent theme. But these themes aren't always easy to explain or dissect in the context of the play, and they can be even harder to develop into essays. Salem is under attack from the hysteria that is encouraged by the same people who seek to keep imaginary supernatural demons at bay. Parris begs Danforth to postpone their hangings because he fears for his life if the executions proceed as planned. Sure, you don't expect or want rain, but it's not the polar opposite of getting married. First off, what is irony? Throughout "The Crucible", Abigail Williams commits the largest act of hypocrisy. Flaws in Human Reasoning Create a Tragic Figure One tragedy is a result of numerous conflicts and wrongdoings. Parris is extremely dismayed by this revelation because of the damage it will do to his reputation. This is ironic because, Once the accusations begin, Parris initiates an ironic thought process that persists throughout. John attempts to crush his guilt instead of facing it, which only ends up making it an even more destructive factor in his life. Abigail's strength in Act I is the strength that is within her ability to influence others. Abigail accuses Tituba first because Tituba is the one person below her on the ladder of power, so she makes an easy scapegoat. All rights reserved. The faces that people present to the public are designed to garner respect in the community, but the witch trials have thrown this system into disarray. The idea that a witch's familiar spirit is capable of stabbing people is too scary for the superstitious and now hysterical people of Salem to give Elizabeth the benefit of the doubt. This vicious cycle continues to claim the lives of more and more people as the play progresses. Thomas Putnam tells him to Wait for no one to charge you - declare it yourself.Parris must rush to be the first accuser so he can place himself beyond reproach. Tituba is forced to accept her role as a pawn for those with greater authority and a stepping stone for Abigails ascent to power. While it does provide an entertaining experience at face value, the true literary genius behind the work is Miller's . Human flaws such as lust for power, greed and jealousy explain the errors many tragic figures from books make, from Mr Kurtz to Lord Voldemort. Explore examples of hypocrisy in the play, including the hypocrisy in land disputes, sin, and the characters of Rebecca Nurse, Reverend Hale, and the children. She also ran the local tavern. In Act 3, Hale continues to make ironic statements about the existence of concrete proof for the accusations of witchcraft. Abigail, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle towards more power over her situation. He is appalled by Elizabeths lack of emotion when he asks her to help the court get a confession out of her husband (pg. Why is Giles Cory expelled from court? "(3-84), since Danforth is in power for being the judge he thinks that everyone else is ignorant and not being equal as him. People are quick to believe something even if there is no evidence for their fear. In Act 1 he jumped on board with the hysteria to preserve his power, but he ended up losing what little authority he had in the first place (and, according to Miller's afterward, was voted out of office soon after the end of the play). Download it for free now: hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(360031, '688715d6-bf92-47d7-8526-4c53d1f5fe7d', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(360031, '03a85984-6dfd-4a19-93c8-5f46091f5e2b', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. The people in charge are so eager to hold onto their power that if anyone disagrees with them in the way the trials are conducted, it is taken as a personal affront and challenge to their authority. Elizabeth notes that Mary's demeanor is now like that of the daughter of a prince (pg. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. In this act, she yells Dont lie! at Tituba immediately before she tells some of the most damning lies of the play accusing Tituba of witchcraft (. Lust and pride were John Proctors tragic flaws, lust is of course, one out of the seven sins. Elizabeth is a victim of cruel irony in this Act when she is summoned to testify on the reasons why she dismissed Abigail from her household. The prisoners have lost all faith in earthly authority figures and look towards the judgment of God. As Reverend Hale says to Danforth, Excellency, there are orphans wandering from house to house; abandoned cattle bellow on the highroads, the stink of rotting crops hangs everywhere, and no man knows when the harlots cry will end his life - and you wonder yet if rebellions spoke? (Act 4, pg. In Arthur Miller's stunning play, The Crucible, a primary character named John Proctor has an affair with a young woman named Abigail Williams. Proctors strengths consist of, honesty and pride. Ann Putnam jumps at any opportunity to blame supernatural forces for the deaths of her children. Parris is hypocritical because he is not a . The Crucible by Arthur Miller, is a play based upon events that occurred in Salem circa 1690s. . Mary Warren exemplifies hypocrisy extraordinarily well in the scene when she and Proctor travel to the courthouse so she can confess that the girls have pretended everything and they never actually saw spirits. As mentioned in the overview, religion holds significant power over the people of Salem. These connections will bolster your responses by positioning them in relation to the most important concepts discussed throughout the play. He is appalled by Elizabeths lack of emotion when he asks her to help the court get a confession out of her husband (pg. One path to higher standing and greater control would be in becoming John Proctors wife. By Act 4, many of the power structures that were firmly in place earlier in the play have disintegrated. In today's world hypocrisy is demonstrated by everyday citizens and even political leaders. In today's society no one want to hear about something they fear, they would rather it be left alone than try to understand it. Tituba is forced to accept her role as a pawn for those with greater authority and a stepping stone for Abigails ascent to power. Abigails many deceptions are sometimes laughably ironic as she chastises others for lying even as she is spinning falsehoods. How is Millers underlying message revealed in one of these themes and through the character?". Some will be very direct. Abigail's version of events is held to be true even after John confesses to their affair in a final effort to discredit her. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. The town, already primed with rumors of black magic, is quickly willing to accept that the first few women who are accused are involved in black magic because theyre beggars and slaves. | 2 Is hypocrisy a natural human flaw? Hale pg. The theme of guilt is one that is deeply relevant to John Proctor's character development throughout the play. Parris begs Danforth to postpone their hangings because he fears for his life if the executions proceed as planned. He. His only goal is to get on the good side of the community as a whole, even in the midst of this bout of collective hysteria. Other essay questions may not ask you directly about the themes listed in this article, but that doesn't mean that the themes are irrelevant to your writing. The Crucible is set during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. By Act 2, there are nearly 40 people in jail accused of witchcraft. You can also read my full summary of The Crucible here for a review of exactly what happens in the plot in each act. When Hale asks him to recite his commandments, the only one he forgets is adultery. The Crucible is a tragedy play written by Arthur Miller. These two institutions fuse together in The Crucible to actively encourage accusers and discourage rational explanations of events. 130). Abigails many deceptions are sometimes laughably ironic as she chastises others for lying even as she is spinning falsehoods. The dark, witchcraft-filled production follows a series of deaf characters who are narrated in English, rather than the other way around. Miller depicts through characters such as these that humans cannot exist without the flaw of hypocrisy. Abigail, in particular, has quickly risen from a nobody to one of the most influential people in Salem. We hear a lot about hypocrisy, or when someone's actions don't match up with the professed values. It's one thing to understand the major themes in The Crucible, and it's another thing completely to write about them yourself. This website helped me pass! He says, I would to God it were not so, Excellency, but these people have great weight yet in the town (pg. Hypocrisy is "the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform". When she is brought in for questioning and claims to see Marys familiar spirit, she says Envy is a deadly sin, Mary.Abigail herself has acted out of envy for the entire play. . No one thinks a teenage orphan girl is capable of such extensive deception (or delusion), so she is consistently trusted. Abigail is told by John to move on but instead, Abigail starts accusing the townspeople of witchcraft, including John Proctors wife Elizabeth. Explain the irony of Hales position at the end of the play as compared to his actions at the beginning. Parris is very quick to position himself on the side of the accusers as soon as Abigail throws the first punch, and he immediately threatens violence on Tituba if she doesn't confess (pg. Abigails power skyrockets as the hysteria grows more severe. Why does he decide to do so anyways? In the next few sections,I'll take a look at a group of broad themes inThe Crucible, including irony, hysteria, reputation, and power. Abigails presence is always rife with irony in The Crucible, as she constantly chastises others for sins she herself has committed. There are several ironies in Act 1 that center around Abigail Williams. In this environment, whoever yells the loudest seems to get the most credibility. He believes that Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now. Other essay questions may not ask you directly about the themes listed in this article, but that doesn't mean that the themes are irrelevant to your writing. Posted at 02:28h in motion to dismiss child support arrears by how does shakespeare present lady macbeth as ambitious. Act 4 is Danforths turn to shine in the irony department. Concern for reputation is a theme that looms large over most of the events in The Crucible. Mary Warrens sense of self-importance has increased as a result of the perceived value of her participation in court. What Are The Human Flaws In The Crucible 1560 Words | 7 Pages. hbspt.cta.load(360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05', {}); Have any questions about this article or other topics? By Act 2, there have been notable changes in the power structure in Salem as a result of the ongoing trials. is hypocrisy a natural human flaw the crucible 16 is hypocrisy a natural human flaw the crucible. The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a dramatic play that expresses a very important message and that is how far people would go to save themselves from the hands of death. The girls are essentially given permission by authority figures to continue their act because they are made to feel special and important for their participation. By the end of class, you should be able to: Identify basic elements of McCarthyism, including the following terms: Johns concern for his reputation is strong throughout the play, and his hesitation to reveal Abigails true nature is a product of his own fears of being labeled an adulterer. When Abigail accuses Elizabeth, a respected farmers wife, it shows that she is willing to take big risks to remove Elizabeth from the picture. A theme is a central topic that is addressed by a work of literature. The authorities ignore any inconvenient logical objections to the proceedings because they, too, are swept up in the madness. Do you not know that God damns all liars? Greed is a sin in the Puritan religion, so the people who supported the accusations were indeed hypocrites. Do you not know that God damns all liars? (Miller 101). 44) but realizes that her word against Abigail will not stand. (Cheever pg. The overall message is that when a person's actions are driven by desires to preserve favorable public opinion rather than do the morally right thing, there can be extremely dire consequences. Throughout the play, Miller uses the Salem Witch trials as a catalyst for Proctor's crucial development. Goody Proctor is a gossiping liar!" Mary is a hypocrite, because she's supposed to be helping the church rid of conjurers of the devil but instead she is deceitful. Fear plays an immense role in the way people make their decisions, such as when the characters of Danforth and Mary Warren resort to hypocrisy when no other options remain.