American Histroy in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" Uploaded by nihat8369 on Jul 18, 2006 American Histroy in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, is based upon actual events in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. The Crucible highlights the tendency in America to witch-hunt and how some people used this leverage to gain power for them without telling the truth. To be accused in Salem you were sent to trial, which ultimately meant a sentence. Those people who decided to live by confessing to witchery were outcaste from society; Arthur Miller based this situation on the communist hatred spreading over American society at that particular time. Power was given to ...view middle of the document...
God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. But it抯 a whore抯 vengeance, and you must see it?. . . Proctor breaks down in a last attempt to save his wife and prove the dishonesty of the girls, revealing Abigail抯 motivation to see Elizabeth condemned. John Proctor is motivated to save Elizabeth but is powerless against some very good actors led by Abigail. Abigail and the other girls make a mockery of the court and show the flaws in the justice system bringing down people in their society that they believe deceived them. Proctor is a man or principle and truth; this is where he gets his power. His antagonism to Parris is consistent and is clearly respected by his fellow friends. Proctors greatest moment comes in Act Four when he suddenly realizes the importance of his principles and his own integrity. His final speech to his wife æ‹ive them no tear! Show a stony heart and sink them with it!?appealing to our emotions to create a specific way we are to look at him. Arthur Miller creates Proctor in the image of being good even though he committed adultery compared to Abigail what he has done is forgivable. Proctors wife Elizabeth is pictured as pure goodness. She is shown to be gentle, womanly and devoted to her family. Her character is shown to see the goodness in everyone yet whenever Abigails name is mentioned she has a little outburst of anger. ?. . . I will be your only wife, or no wife at all?appealing to Proctors principles to ensure he does what抯 right. By not judging John she gains power over him. Abigail Williams is a sensual...