Kyle Blagg
Mrs. R. Morrison
American Literature/Composition
9 February 2001
A Theme of Arthur Miller's The Crucible
The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, is not an accurate historical account, but rather an accurate portrayal of the Salem witch trials of 1692 in Massachusetts. Miller makes minor changes to the events that occurred during the trials such as the genuine names of the victims, the total number of people that were executed, and the correct ages of the characters. During the time of the witch trials, people follow their strict Puritan beliefs. They believe in hard work, prayer, and Bible study, and introspection. Miller tells of how the Salem minister catches several young girls dancing in the forest. This is a sign that the girls are practicing evil, because dancing is not permitted in the Puritan faith. The witch trials were a time of much grief, because many innocent people died without proof and guilt ruined many lives. Miller tells in detail about the witch trials and how the townspeople accept guilt of "witches" without evidence. People use witchcraft to gain vengeance. One of the most important themes in Arthur Miller's The Crucible is that good, mercy, and justice do not always triumph over evil.
In his play, The Crucible, Arthur Miller describes his character Rebecca Nurse as the best example of goodness. Rebecca Nurse is well respected in the town. She is very good with children and is called every time someone is about to give birth. She is also called upon when people become ill. She offers her help to anyone that is in need of it. She is one of the strongest members in the local church. Goody Nurse is the cornerstone of the church. She is a strong Christian and follows all Christian beliefs. She dies because she is not willing to sacrifice her principles to survive. She is a good person, but this does not prevent people from accusing her of evil. Because she is accused of witchery, she is hung like everyone else. She knows that she can lie to save herself, but she wants to retain her Christian beliefs and not turn to the ways of Satan. Because she is a strong Christian, she knows that there is a higher court after death and that her final judgment will resort in her placement in heaven. This is an example showing that goodness does not always triumph over evil.
Mrs. R. Morrison
American Literature/Composition
9 February 2001
A Theme of Arthur Miller's The Crucible
The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, is not an accurate historical account, but rather an accurate portrayal of the Salem witch trials of 1692 in Massachusetts. Miller makes minor changes to the events that occurred during the trials such as the genuine names of the victims, the total number of people that were executed, and the correct ages of the characters. During the time of the witch trials, people follow their strict Puritan beliefs. They believe in hard work, prayer, and Bible study, and introspection. Miller tells of how the Salem minister catches several young girls dancing in the forest. This is a sign that the girls are practicing evil, because dancing is not permitted in the Puritan faith. The witch trials were a time of much grief, because many innocent people died without proof and guilt ruined many lives. Miller tells in detail about the witch trials and how the townspeople accept guilt of "witches" without evidence. People use witchcraft to gain vengeance. One of the most important themes in Arthur Miller's The Crucible is that good, mercy, and justice do not always triumph over evil.
In his play, The Crucible, Arthur Miller describes his character Rebecca Nurse as the best example of goodness. Rebecca Nurse is well respected in the town. She is very good with children and is called every time someone is about to give birth. She is also called upon when people become ill. She offers her help to anyone that is in need of it. She is one of the strongest members in the local church. Goody Nurse is the cornerstone of the church. She is a strong Christian and follows all Christian beliefs. She dies because she is not willing to sacrifice her principles to survive. She is a good person, but this does not prevent people from accusing her of evil. Because she is accused of witchery, she is hung like everyone else. She knows that she can lie to save herself, but she wants to retain her Christian beliefs and not turn to the ways of Satan. Because she is a strong Christian, she knows that there is a higher court after death and that her final judgment will resort in her placement in heaven. This is an example showing that goodness does not always triumph over evil.
