Theme of Ann Putnam (the Crucible)

When analyzed, Ann Putnam can be represented as suspicious, distressed, and manipulative. She is seen as suspicious because she is constantly analyzing other people's actions. In The Crucible, Mrs. Putnam accuses Sarah Good of being a witch when she says, "I knew it! Goody Osburn were midwife to me three times. I begged you, Thomas, did I not? I begged him not to call Osburn because I feared her. My babies always shriveled in her hands." (Act 1.Page 47). Another explanation of her suspicion is when she thinks her daughter is possessed by the Devil, and she says, "For how else is she struck dumb now except some power of darkness would stop her mouth?" (Act 1.Page 16). Ann Putnam also seems to be distressed since the play shows her as a trouble-hearted woman. An example of this is when she is first introduced in the book and it says, "She is a twisted soul of forty-five, a death-ridden woman, haunted by dreams." (Act 1.Page 12). Throughout the book, she also shows fear and anxiety for almost every situation she is part of by speaking dramatically and causing panic. Mrs. Putnam is also represented as a manipulative person because she uses devious ways to influence other people on false information. While other people are trying to figure out who is involved in witchcraft, Mrs. Putnam frequently suggests names so that others can blame them. Another example is how she manipulated her daughter to call the spirits with the other girls. In conclusion, examples set by Ann Putnam in the book shows how she is skeptical, distressed, and manipulative.
Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. New York: Viking Penguin Inc.,