The Crucible By Arthur Miller - 1276 Words

In The Crucible, Arthur Miller writes about a witch hysteria among the townspeople of Salem, Massachusetts. Secrets are rife within the town, and suspicion rises against isolated families. Nosiness and a want to discover and exploit the truth about people arises among the population. Invading one’s personal business, however, can likely do more harm than good. It is a personal right for one to keep to himself. It should not be a person’s concern to pry into any part of another’s life. In setting a precedent for the story, Miller writes, â€Å"...it is too much to expect people to hide back very long from laying the victims with all the force of their frustrations† (Miller 6). Although the right thing to do is to keep to oneself, the people of†¦show more content†¦One need not concern himself with anyone’s personal business but his own. The Salem Witch Trials, in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, is set in a deeply religious and superstitious society. Much of the hysteria behind the trials, however, does not stem from religion, but rather long held grudges and rivalries. These feuds are the sole basis of the frenzy, and become the primary reason behind the trials themselves. The inhabitants of Salem use their animosity as a ploy to finally exact revenge on their enemies. The reader discovers Abigail Williams is briefly involved in a love affair with John Proctor, and continues to hold feelings for him despite his marital status. She views his wife, Elizabeth Proctor, as the obstacle standing in the way of being with the one she loves. Eventually, when the affair is uncovered, Abigail is dismissed from the Proctor household by Elizabeth, therefore further distancing Abigail from Proctor. When Abigail finally reunites with her unrequited lover, she snarkily says, â€Å"Oh, I marvel how such a strong man may let such a sickly wife be--† (Miller 23). Abigail resents Elizabeth for restricting her from Proctor, and holds a bitterness toward her concerning the situation. Her jealousy, desire, and selfishness propel her to act on her grudge and devise the plan of the witch trials. Furthermore, Reverend Parris is an anxious and