The Crucible Theme Paper
Throughout literary history, good versus evil has always been a present theme. “The Crucible”, written by Arthur Miller, represents each aspect of the morality spectrum. The picture of a man and a village boiling in a conflict of reputation and hysteria entwine to develop the main themes of the play: the challenge that comes with making the right choice and the use of ignorance as a means revenge and preserving ones reputation. Both these themes take place in the context of the larger, earlier mentioned, struggle of good versus evil.
Director Elia Kazan had a very interesting take on hysteria that applies to that demonstrated in the novel, “Whatever hysteria exists is inflamed by mystery, suspicion and secrecy. Hard and exact facts will cool it.” In “The Crucible”, hysteria consumed whatever rational thoughts people were having and caused them to think that their neighbors, who they had known for the majority of their lives, were committing absurd and, believable crimes. Whenever the devil is referred to, a glimpse is given into the manifestation of the hysteria felt by every character. As Giles stated, “…the Devil’s touch is heavier than sick. It’s death, y’know, it”s death drivin’ into them, forked and hoofed.” (1221 Miller.) The source of the townspeople’s hysterics is the presence of evil, the Devil, within their lives; the unknown is an unsettling thought. In “The Crucible”, the townspeople provoke this dramatic environment not only in the name of God, but also because it gives them a chance to act out towards their resentments. This is apparent when Abigail uses the situation to accuse Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft and have her sent to jail. However, Abigail is not the only character who relies on the theatrics of hysteria: Reverend Parris invigorates his position within the village by making fools of people like Proctor who question his ascendancy. In addition to the reverend, Thomas Putnam gains revenge on Francis Nurse by getting Rebecca, Francis’s
Director Elia Kazan had a very interesting take on hysteria that applies to that demonstrated in the novel, “Whatever hysteria exists is inflamed by mystery, suspicion and secrecy. Hard and exact facts will cool it.” In “The Crucible”, hysteria consumed whatever rational thoughts people were having and caused them to think that their neighbors, who they had known for the majority of their lives, were committing absurd and, believable crimes. Whenever the devil is referred to, a glimpse is given into the manifestation of the hysteria felt by every character. As Giles stated, “…the Devil’s touch is heavier than sick. It’s death, y’know, it”s death drivin’ into them, forked and hoofed.” (1221 Miller.) The source of the townspeople’s hysterics is the presence of evil, the Devil, within their lives; the unknown is an unsettling thought. In “The Crucible”, the townspeople provoke this dramatic environment not only in the name of God, but also because it gives them a chance to act out towards their resentments. This is apparent when Abigail uses the situation to accuse Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft and have her sent to jail. However, Abigail is not the only character who relies on the theatrics of hysteria: Reverend Parris invigorates his position within the village by making fools of people like Proctor who question his ascendancy. In addition to the reverend, Thomas Putnam gains revenge on Francis Nurse by getting Rebecca, Francis’s