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Mob Mentality in "The Crucible": a Study of Mass Hysteria and Its Consequences
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Themes and Analysis
The crucible, by arthur miller.
Through 'The Crucible,' Miller explores several important themes, such as the power of fear and superstition and the dangers of religious extremism.
Article written by Emma Baldwin
B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.
Arthur Miller’s ‘ The Crucible ‘ is one of the most powerful and poignant plays ever written . Set in the Puritan town of Salem during the 1690s, the play focuses on a series of trials that ultimately reveal the dangers of fear and ignorance. The play is filled with important symbols and themes that drive the narrative, many of which are highly relatable, even today.
The Corruption of Power
In the story of ‘ The Crucible ,’ power corrupts absolutely. In the village of Salem, the court proceedings are directed by those in authority, such as Reverend Parris and Deputy Governor Danforth. They misuse their power to further their own personal agendas, leading to false accusations and wrongful executions. The corruption of power serves as a warning against allowing authority figures to control everyday life without consequence.
The Dangers of Hysteria
‘ The Crucible ‘ demonstrates how quickly hysteria can spread and affect a community. With the accusations of witchcraft, fear and paranoia spread like wildfire among the citizens of Salem. This leads to even more accusations and further isolation of those thought to be guilty. The play warns readers against succumbing to hysteria and shows the real danger it can pose when left unchecked; this relates directly to McCarthyism in the 1950s in the United States.
Ignorance and Intolerance
Many of the characters in ‘ The Crucible ‘ are ignorant and intolerant of others, especially those they view as outsiders. This is demonstrated through the character of Reverend Parris, who is deeply suspicious of anyone who is different or opposes him. Similarly, intolerance is shown when those accused of witchcraft are assumed to be guilty despite a lack of evidence. The play emphasizes the need for tolerance and understanding in order to prevent further strife.
Key Moments
- Reverend Parris discovers his daughter and niece dancing in the woods with Tituba, his slave, and other girls from the village. Betty falls into a coma.
- Parris questions the girls about witchcraft.
- It’s revealed that Abigail had an affair with her former employer John Proctor. She still wants to be with him.
- Betty wakes up screaming.
- Tituba confesses to witchcraft. Abigail joins her.
- Abigail and the other girls begin to accuse various citizens of Salem of witchcraft.
- Mary Warren, now a court official, testifies against John Proctor in court.
- Elizabeth urges John to go to town and convince them that Abigail is not telling the truth. She is suspicious of their relationship.
- Mary gives Elizabeth a poppet.
- John is questioned by Reverend Hale.
- The town marshal arrests Elizabeth and finds the poppet, which has a needle in it.
- Mary admits she made the poppet in court, and Elizabeth claims she’s pregnant.
- The girls start screaming in court, saying that Mary is sending her spirit to them.
- Elizabeth convinces John to admit to witchcraft.
- John Proctor signs a confession but then rips it up before it can be used as evidence against him.
- John Proctor is put to death after refusing to lie about being a witch.
Tone and Style
The tone of Arthur Miller’s ‘ The Crucible ‘ is serious and intense due to the subject matter of the Salem Witch Trials. Miller captures a sense of urgency and fear that pervaded the small town of Salem at the time, which amplifies the drama and tension between the characters. This serves as a reminder of the underlying paranoia that can quickly infect a community.
The writing style of Miller’s play is direct and succinct. Miller deliberately focuses on dialogue and action, allowing for a natural flow to the story as it unfolds. He also uses strong language to draw attention to the ways in which fear and paranoia can lead to injustice. Through this approach, Miller effectively conveys the consequences of these events. In part, this is due to the format of the story. It’s a drama, meaning that it is almost entirely composed of only dialogue.
Witchcraft is the most obvious symbol in ‘ The Crucible ‘, representing the fear and paranoia of the characters during the Salem Witch Trials. Miller uses it to reflect the rampant hysteria of the time and how quickly false accusations spread throughout Salem. Witchcraft can also be seen as a metaphor for the powerlessness of individuals in the face of a repressive and superstitious society.
Proctor’s House
John Proctor’s house serves as a symbol of both the struggles and the strength of his marriage to Elizabeth. It is not only a physical representation of their relationship but also an example of their commitment to one another. As their relationship unravels, so does their home, until it is eventually burned down by the townspeople. This symbolizes the breakdown of their marriage and the ultimate downfall of their relationship.
The forest is a symbol of freedom in ‘ The Crucible .’ It represents the escape from repression, control, and oppression in Salem. By venturing out into the woods, characters like Tituba, Abigail, and Parris are able to reject societal norms and restrictions, allowing them to find their own paths. It is also a sign of hope for those who are struggling against the unjust and oppressive nature of Salem society.
What is the most important theme in The Crucible by Arthur Miller?
The most important theme in “The Crucible” is the power of public opinion and hysteria. It demonstrates how an environment of fear and superstition can be manipulated to create a situation of paranoia and distrust.
Why is The Crucible by Arthur Miller important?
‘ The Crucible ‘ is important because it explores themes of morality, justice, and personal responsibility. It also examines the effects of unchecked hysteria and paranoia on individuals and society as a whole.
Why did Arthur Miller write The Crucible ?
Arthur Miller wrote ‘ The Crucible ‘ as a metaphor for McCarthyism, which was a period of intense anti-communist sentiment in the United States during the 1950s. He wanted to illustrate how similar events could happen again if unchecked fear and paranoia were allowed to spread.
Who are some of the main characters in The Crucible ?
Some of the main characters in The Crucible include John Proctor, Abigail Williams, Elizabeth Proctor, Reverend Parris, Reverend Hale, and Judge Danforth.
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COMMENTS
751 Words4 Pages. Arthur Miller's portrayal of a town in the midst of a downfall "The Crucible", tells the story of how mob mentality and hysteria can significantly influence not only individuals but the whole town. This mob mentality leads to unthoughtful acts and false accusations. Two characters who demonstrate how mob mentality can ...
This essay delves into the concept of mob mentality, examining its causes, effects, and the role it plays in the crucible of society. By analyzing the actions of the characters in the play and drawing parallels to real-life instances, we can gain a deeper understanding of the dangers posed by mob mentality and the importance of individual agency.
1. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. Cite this essay. Download. 'The Crucible' is a play that took place in 1952 by the American playwright Arthur Miller. This story is melodramatic of the Salem witch trials that took place in the ...
The power disseminated by the mob mentality in The Crucible—of not only religion, but also social hierarchy—parallels modern court proceedings, and feelings of patriotism in society. ... The play that is the basis of the essay is set in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 during these Salem witch trials. One of the main characters that this play ...
In the drama, The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, a group of "bewitched" girls clearly demonstrate negative mob mentality throughout the play. Towards the end of the play, one of the girls, Abigail, and the other girls are in the courtroom with the characters Mary Warren, John Proctor, Judge Danforth, and a couple of others.
Arthur Miller's ' The Crucible ' is one of the most powerful and poignant plays ever written. Set in the Puritan town of Salem during the 1690s, the play focuses on a series of trials that ultimately reveal the dangers of fear and ignorance. The play is filled with important symbols and themes that drive the narrative, many of which are ...
The "power of the crowd" is known as mob or herd mentality. A mob mentality can be created by Social media, especially through the internet, because users can find support from the others who share their views and they feel free of social restraints under a sense of anonymity. ... Mass Hysteria In The Crucible Essay. The Crucible, written ...
The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, is a rich and enticing play set in the late 1600's describing the epic horrors and emotions through the events of the Salem witch trials. The Crucible, focuses primarily on the inconsistencies of the Salem witch trials and the extreme behavior that can result from dark desires and hidden agendas.
The dramatic play, The Crucible, by Arthur Miller was written in the 1950s but takes place in the last 1600s during the Salem witch trials. These trials are notorious for the public hysteria it caused and drew out. Due to individuals greed and deception many innocent were accussed and sentenced to death for witch craft.
Quick answer: "The Crucible" provides several instances of mob mentality, where group emotions override individual reasoning. In Act 2, Elizabeth notes the town's collective belief in Abigail as a ...
Mob Mentality In The Crucible. 835 Words4 Pages. How many times has one action by one person influenced crowds of people to follow? This is known as "mob mentality": when a group of people is influenced by a person's actions to change their behavior and think as a group. In both The Crucible by Arthur Miller and "Half-Hanged Mary" by ...
Learn and understand all of the themes found in The Crucible, such as Mob Mentality. Learn how the author incorporated them and why. ... Jr.'s essay "The Ways of Meeting Oppression," please identify one example of ethos, pathos, and logos. 1. Explain how you have categorized each example. Explain
Mob mentality is how people are influenced by their peers to adopt certain behaviors and a threshold is how many people it takes for this influence to be adapted by their peers. Mob mentality can be seen in many ways in The Crucible and at Blue Valley West. Groups spreading the pressures of things like bullying, accusations, and clothing in ...
Free Essay: "When large enough groups of people gather, things will get accomplished, good or bad." stated Marc Bousquet of Emory University. ... Mob Mentality In The Crucible By Arthur Miller; Mob Mentality In The Crucible By Arthur Miller. Improved Essays. 749 Words; ... Mob mentality stems from a commonly held belief that is taken to ...
Book Reviews 133 Critical Insights: The Crucible by Arthur Miller, edited by Robert C. Evans. Amenia, NY: Salem Press, 2018. Reviewed by Stefani Koorey DOI: 10.5325/arthmillj.14.2.0133 The most valuable aspect of this volume of Critical Insights: The Crucible by Arthur Miller is the diversity of critical opinion contained within its pages. This is not a book that lionizes the playwright.
The Crucible Mob Mentality Analysis. 665 Words3 Pages. More than 20 people were executed during the Salem Witch Trials between 1692 and 1693. The play The Crucibles written by Arthur Miller a historical fiction piece based on the Salem Witch Trials. The play shows the struggles of a small town with a big controversy with mob mentality and ...
The crucible essay .pdf. School. Palmer High School, Palmer * *We aren't endorsed by this school. Course. ENG III. Subject. Arts & Humanities. Date. ... 3.1 Hysteria and Mob Mentality 3.2 Morality and Integrity 3.3 Abuse of Power and Authority 3.4 Religious Fanaticism and Hypocrisy 3.5 The Crucible as a Symbol of Purification and Judgment ...
Mob mentality, a crucible for Australian Labor party. The themes of Mob mentality and hypocrisy that is seen in Arthur Millers, The Crucible juxtaposes the Australian Labor party's stance on homosexual marriage. Exemplifying the relevance of classical literature in today's society.
Mob mentality leads people to terrible things they would have never done alone. Some examples of extreme mob mentality are the Holocaust, the French Revolution and the Salem Witch Trials. The Crucible is an adaptation of the Salem Witch Trials that shows how mob mentality can have a negative effect. In his play The Crucible, Arthur MIller uses ...
Here two women who have a close relationship with God are being accused of witchcraft and most people in the village are agreeing because of the mob mentality. This is the …show more content… In The Crucible many of the village girls have been trying to fall in love with the village boys, by recruiting a slave Tituba to make them spells.
In The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, we see people follow one false accusation with more. Sadly, it's human nature to choose to make the same decisions and behave similarly as those we are surrounded by. This is distinguished in two ways: mob mentality and mass hysteria. Mob mentality is the behavior of a large crowd who are solely followers.
Mob Mentality In The Crucible. Arthur Miller's play named The Crucible was one that shows a society turning on itself, accusing one another of false crimes to avoid being suspected of being involved in witchery. The Origin of this mass hysteria was caused by many young girls who were involved with "conjuring spirits" in the woods one ...
In The Crucible the concept of "mob mentality," or rather mass hysteria and religious values, appears in great extent. Abigail creates a sense of panic by saying hurriedly, "Shut it! Now shut it!" which not only makes the other girls begin to deceitfully purge in court, but also to create a mass-blaming of witch craft (19).