The Crucible

EWX1 11/22/05

Ms. R. Cohen Yongjie Feng

The Crucible

The Crucible is not only a recounting of the Salem witch trials. Behind this story, Arthor Miller most wants to say is the essentiality of humanity. The most representative thing is what people do is mostly to satisfy their own interests, so mush as willing to believe outrageous lies when those lies serve their interests. Arthur Miller develops the characters to present this theme. His depiction of Putnam couple, Reverend Parris and Judge Danforth, which could effectively prove this theme.

Thomas Putnam, who is a wealthy, influential citizen of Salem. When they just heard about the witchcraft, they believed AbigailЎЇs explanation intentionally, ÐŽoWhen Reverend Hale comes, you will proceed to look for signs of witchcraft here.ÐŽ± This quote shows Putnam does not only believe in the witchcraft and he also tries to advocate the so-called truth. Why an experienced, mature couple believes in an absurd presentation by a lowly girl so easily? It is undoubted that there is a benefit relationship. Then, the play mentions that the reason is to help them to increase their own wealth by accusing people of witchcraft and then buying up their land. So, this causality replies to why the Putnams are willing to believe outrageous lies when those lies serve their interests.

Reverend Parris, the minister of SalemЎЇs church, who is really power-hungry and self-centered. He shows strong self-interest by confront Abigail with ÐŽoif you trafficked with the spirits in the forest I must know it now, for surely my enemies will, and they will ruin me with itÐŽ±. His obsession with reputation makes him selfish; therefore, he focuses all the attention on his own well being. His unwavering support for the witch-hunt is mainly for his domestic problems, not religious. ParrisЎЇs motivation does not alter much throughout the play. Even after his realization that the witch hysteria is