Examples Of Power In The Crucible
Knowledge is a form of power, which can give an individual the ability to persuade others. In the Play The Crucible by Arthur Miller, many characters are accused of witchcraft. These characters manipulate the truth to their benefit, creating an illusion of knowledge, and persuading the judges thoughts. As the witch trial progresses, power in the form of knowledge is passed between characters. Through secrest, or the illusion of knowledge comes the power of persuasion, which can be destroyed or gained. Throughout the play Reverend Hale loses power, while Abigail Williams gains power in the fight for revenge. When one loses the ability to persuade others, it is because their knowledge no longer aids the greater good. In the play, the witch trials
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While during the trials, it becomes apparent that most characters gain or lose their influence on others through the passing or creation of an illusion of knowledge, however, that is not always the case. Reverend Parris uses the church and its authority to bring himself above the town. Being a priest gives one a great deal of influence over someone's beliefs. The reason Parris has no power of persuasion is due to the fact that he does not have an illusion of knowledge. Parris looks over Danforth’s shoulder at a list of women who have had dealings with the devil. Parris explains “these people should be summoned. For questioning”(93). By Parris looking at a pre written list of names proves that he truly does not have the power of persuasion because he lacks an illusion of knowledge. He lacks this illusion because he does not know of any women who have had dealings with the devil, nor does he pretend he knows of anyone. Overall, Parris gains power through the church, however he has a different form of power, one that is not the power of persuasion. In the end, his influence through the church and people's beliefs makes no major effect on the trials. Therefore Parris does not have the power of persuasion during the trials as he does not know one's secrets, nor have the illusion of
While during the trials, it becomes apparent that most characters gain or lose their influence on others through the passing or creation of an illusion of knowledge, however, that is not always the case. Reverend Parris uses the church and its authority to bring himself above the town. Being a priest gives one a great deal of influence over someone's beliefs. The reason Parris has no power of persuasion is due to the fact that he does not have an illusion of knowledge. Parris looks over Danforth’s shoulder at a list of women who have had dealings with the devil. Parris explains “these people should be summoned. For questioning”(93). By Parris looking at a pre written list of names proves that he truly does not have the power of persuasion because he lacks an illusion of knowledge. He lacks this illusion because he does not know of any women who have had dealings with the devil, nor does he pretend he knows of anyone. Overall, Parris gains power through the church, however he has a different form of power, one that is not the power of persuasion. In the end, his influence through the church and people's beliefs makes no major effect on the trials. Therefore Parris does not have the power of persuasion during the trials as he does not know one's secrets, nor have the illusion of