The Crucible is a play written by Arthur Miller. The plot is set in Salem, Massachusetts, in the 1960s, in a time of confusion and violence. Accusations of witchcraft are spreading, causing shock and swift action in the city. Instead of examining each charge in detail and believing in the method that you are innocent until proven guilty, the court made snap decisions. Because of these actions, the court has thus taken many innocent lives and made itself appear foolish in the eyes of bystanders by allowing their court and minds to be taken over by such manipulators. The author uses the seven deadly sins throughout the work to create suspense and conflict. Arthur Miller exemplifies the mortal sin of anger in the character of John Proctor as he deals with his immense anger towards Abigail Williams and the justice system. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay John Proctor shows anger towards Abigail through her accusations of her being a witch and causing such events. She believes that it all started from the moment Parris found them in the forest, and since she was the leader during this ritual, she is to blame. Proctor believes that Abigail was never a real woman through her actions, from acting in church to her reputation in town. “He's not a child. Now listen to me, sir. In the eyes of the congregation, she was kicked out of this meetinghouse twice this year for laughing during prayer. (Act Three; line 865) In this quote, through desperation and anger in an attempt to prove that Abigail is evil, he brings out every possible piece of evidence to use against her. Proctor is so angry that the court dismisses everything she says just because she is a child, or because any action could be due to witchcraft. Another way Proctor shows his anger is when he admits his affair with Abigail in an attempt to ruin his reputation and true identity. After keeping this secret for months, from his wife and his town, he slips up during the court hearing and consequently leaks the one piece of information that will lead to his downfall at the end of the show when he is hanged for adultery. “The last night of my joy, about eight months ago. I needed it at my house, sir. A man may think God sleeps, but God sees everything, now I know. Please, sir, please. See it for what it is. My wife, my dear good wife, took this girl right after, sir, and took her out on the highway. And being what it is, a piece of vanity, sir. (Act Three; line 1100) This quote is Proctor's admission of the affair and her pleas to believe him as she is vain and no good. He knows he did something wrong and just wants to see justice for Abigail, who has made his life hell ever since. Ultimately, Proctor shows anger towards the court for allowing people to freely accuse an innocent person and hang him for being truthful. . Throughout the play the characters manage to realize that the accusations made are false. They have known each accused person for years and know for a fact that they would never do something like this. As the story ends, even those involved in the tribunal begin to realize that things aren't adding up. Proctor has finally had enough when his wife is taken into custody and he is sentenced to death in an attempt to expose Abigail. Before his death he says: “I feel Lucifer's boot, I see his dirty face and yours, Danforth! For those who fear letting men out.
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