The Power Of Fear In The Crucible

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Kenneth Mejia1/19/15 English 11Ms. Zapulla Salem, Massachusetts, 1692, has been legendary for how it showcased the overwhelming power of fear. And how people, when threatened will act irrationally based on frenzied panics for self preservation. Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” based on the events of Salem showcases this dilemma through the characters of Mary Warren, Elizabeth Proctor, Parris in how their honest intentions devolved into wild accusations. Mary Warren, a servant of the Proctor family revealed how fear easily takes over a person’s psyche. After realizing that Abigail sought to completely destroy Proctor’s marriage and name, she became terrified of her. Wishing to keep to her faith, she attempted to stay out of the issue, but was threatened by Proctor to give false testimony. Completely scared of what would happen to her, she lies to the court despite her faith. “I cannot lie no more, I am with God, I…show more content…
He was wealthy, took part in the politics of the village, however he was always trepidatious so as not to possibly endanger his name as enemies he made increasing his power within the town would attack him.”But if you trafficked with spirits in the forest, i must know it now for surely my enemies will and they will ruin me with it” When his daughter becomes ill possibly due to blasphemous actions she may have been part of, rather than follow the word of God. He lies and claims that no issue would be associated with his family despite this being sin and endangering Betty’s life. The fear of losing all he had completely overtook his duty to help his daughter recover. These events each showcased a severe situation in which the outcome among all three was the same. Fear overcame their faith showing how people in life-endangering events will immediately abandon all their morals and relationships and reveals how it can ruin families and nations. “Betrayal is the only truth that sticks”- Arthur

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