There is no character in Acts 1-2 of 'The Crucible' who is Beyond Criticism. Discuss.

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“There is no character in Acts 1-2 of The Crucible who is Beyond Criticism.” Discuss.

Throughout Acts 1 and 2 Miller presents the reader with an array of characters that each appear to have their own individual flaws and vices. However, it is important to first consider what it means to be “beyond criticism” before it can be argued whether this exists at all in the play. In the context of Salem, it appears that perhaps every character is corrupted in the sense that an ulterior motive exists within them, and it is conceivably this ‘corruption’ that seals the harsh fate of many of the characters in the play.

Miller often tells us a great deal about a character the very moment we are introduced to them, not least with Abigail Williams. Declaring that she has “an endless capacity for dissembling”, Miller straight away alerts us to the fact that this girl is a gifted liar who will no doubt find herself at the forefront of controversy later in the play. Moreover, as we look deeper into the text it becomes increasingly obvious that Abigail is an extremely deceptive young woman, with three very distinct sides to her character that she alternates according to the situation she finds herself in. At first we see act her feeble, and “innocently” as she is confronted by Parris on the events of the previous night, constantly referring to the Reverend as “Sir” and accepting the title of “child”, which she is called several times. However, from the moment Elizabeth Proctor is mentioned we see her personality transform into that of a headstrong young woman, arguing back with a concerned anger: “Do you begrudge my bed, uncle?” and reducing Parris to few words. This transformation is a clear example of how when placed under scrutiny or pressure Abigail is able to manipulate those around her to free herself from the situation – a highly critical aspect of her wider character.

Furthermore, Abigail is able to alter her personality to that of a charmer when in the presence of John Proctor, of whom she has a “concentrated desire” for. At the arrival of Proctor she expresses her longing for him, declaring that she “cannot sleep for dreamin’;” and is suddenly overcome with envy for who she describes as John’s “cold, snivelling” wife. Overall, it is very clear to the reader that Abigail Williams is far from beyond criticism, as a talent for manipulating and deceiving dominates her personality. Abigail is a character who will do whatever is necessary to protect herself and this culminates in the false accusation of several Goodwives by none other than Abigail in the closing stages of Act 1.

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Moreover, if we look at the character of Reverend Hale in Act 2 we soon find that whilst he is closer than some to being free from criticism, he too is not. What is most curious about Reverend Hale is that being entirely devout to his Puritan faith; he is in fact a man of morality and perhaps even integrity whilst still living a life that we as the reader will criticise. This is because whilst he believes he is living correctly by following the morals that are the foundations of this community; the moral code he is following ...

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