How Fear Encourages Selfishness in "The Crucible".

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Fear to Stimulate Perpetuation Above Societal Preservation

        “Panic”, Arthur Miller asserts, “sleeps in one unlighted corner of [the] soul” (Miller). It consumes a spot of one’s mind, and influences actions by draping them with a mask of fear. Being very relevant in a society like that of The Crucible, it is shown that the personal desire of each character result in motives through which they seek individual gain rather than societal preservation, leading to an instilled sense of hysteria. This becomes a frightening example of how each individual’s desire to appease their own motives may be an aid to themselves, but in contrast, a bludgeon to society. Through the selfish actions of Abigail, authoritative decisions of Danforth, and fearful motives of Mary Warren, Miller shows that in the midst of fear, the desire for self-survival is much greater than the desire to preserve society as a whole; this widens the gap between the citizens and their society, deepening the instilled hysteria. This sense of personal motivation greatly exceeds any drive for social responsibility as fear becomes not only the ally, but the enemy of every inhabitant.

        Abigail, a manipulative and cunning girl, becomes obsessed with the desire for power and need to satisfy her desires, which she attempts to achieve through selfish actions, ultimately jumpstarts the hysteria. Being orphaned and unmarried, she is near the bottom of the Puritan social ladder, therefore making it very difficult for her to attain any sense of status. When Salem becomes blindfolded with the false presence of the Devil, she is given a chance to gain social status and satisfy her lusty desires. She takes advantage of this by implanting a false accusation that spins a web of lies, entangling tens of innocent civilians, including Elizabeth Proctor. Abigail asserts that “[Her] name is good in the village” (1.149) and that the fault doesn’t lie with her, but rather that “Elizabeth Proctor is [the] envious, gossipy liar”(1.162) who deserves to be imprisoned. At first Abigail’s desire to win the lust of Proctor is a result of her childish yearnings, but just like any simple lie, it turns into a full-blown scandal. She does not realize that this lust she claims to have is just a mental yearn for attention. As time passes, her authority increases and in regards to Elizabeth Proctor’s denial of witchcraft, Abigail asserts that “It is a lie, sir” (3.640), as if the poppet she gave to Mary Warrant wasn’t purposefully stabbed with a needle, or the “yellow bird” (3.992) she claimed to see in the church wasn’t a way conceal her lies. As the novel shifts gears and Abigail sees that her initial motive of gaining John Proctor’s “love” would no longer be a reality, there is an alteration in motives; her attempt to maintain status and conceal the lies she’s spurn becomes the new focus. To maintain her standing as leader, she utilizes fear as her main weapon. By questioning Danforth’s authority by asking him whether or not he thinks “to be so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn [his] wits” (3.796-798), Abigail is actually instilling a greater sense of power for herself by questioning such an authoritative figure in society who claims to be the most knowledgeable . She is one of the only civilians that dare to stand up to him, and through such actions, she becomes nearly as powerful as he is. Each individual is fearful of Abigail due to her ability to accuse anyone--even the innocent. Her increase in social status threatens the sanctity of each person and adds to this hysteria. Because of such ease to accuse, she too, becomes a Devilish figure by showing that any person can be an accuser, even those of low social class. This insecurity amongst the crowd is not taken well and establishes the principle of “accuse others to save [oneself]” (4.231). Representing a macrocosm of Abigail’s situation, this principle consumes society and further develops the panic which becomes engraved throughout eat person’s life. Because she cannot have love, she seeks authority through which she attains by the same means--fear. Though not necessarily in a direct sense, she is just like her Uncle Paris; both have a deep desire to maintain a name of power and through which, she instills fear throughout society.

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        Danforth is perceived from beginning to end as an authoritative, dominant figure whose sole desire isn’t necessarily for purity or equality to be established throughout Salem, but rather to maintain his position as a supreme authority. Though Abigail was like the seed, or initial source of the fear, Danforth can be seen as the affirmation. He has the power of convicting the Salem’s inhabitants regardless of facts, but rather “spectral evidence” as Miller points out and was used to “control thoughts and actions”. The accusations made weren’t true, but based on fear; in order for one person to save themself, ...

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