Saturday, February 14, 2015

How does The Crucible explore the importance of truth, justice, and integrity?

In Arthur Miller's allegorical play The Crucible, he examines the themes of truth, justice, and integrity through different characters and their reactions to the witch trials that have upset and ruined the entire community. While characters such as John Proctor, Francis, Rebecca Nurse, and Giles Corey represent truth, justice, and integrity, Salem's authority figures and Abigail Williams represent the complete opposite.
In act 3, John Proctor brings Mary Warren into town in an attempt to undermine Abigail's authority and end the witch trials. Francis Nurse and Giles Corey also support Proctor's cause and argue for justice and truth. When Proctor hands over a petition signed by community members vouching for Rebecca Nurse and Martha Corey, Deputy Governor Danforth illustrates that he is not concerned with truth or justice by telling Francis Nurse

No, old man, you have not hurt these people if they are of good conscience. But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between.

Deputy Governor Danforth and Judge Hathorne are only concerned about maintaining their positions of authority and influence over the community. They consider anyone questioning the proceedings as a threat and refuse to recognize the truth. Giles Corey then informs Danforth that he has a signed disposition from a community member claiming that Thomas Putnam is using the witch trials as a land grab. When Giles refuses to disclose the identity of the person who overheard Thomas Putnam speaking to his daughter about the land, Danforth attempts to misuse truth and justice by telling Giles

Old man, if your informant tells the truth let him come here openly like a decent man. But if he hide in anonymity I must know why. Now sir, the government and central church demand of you the name of him who reported Mr. Thomas Putnam a common murderer.

In contrast to Deputy Governor Danforth and Judge Hathorne, John Proctor publicly ruins his valuable reputation by finally admitting that he slept with Abigail, in the hopes that his testimony will undermine her authority. John Proctor demonstrates his integrity and honesty by telling Salem's authority figures

I have known her, sir. I have known her.

In act 4, John Proctor ends up tearing his false confession and becomes a martyr by accepting his fate. John Proctor realizes that his death could possibly spark a riot similar to the one that took place in the town of Andover and disband Salem's corrupt court. Before John is led to the gallows, he says,

You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs[...]Give them no tear! Tears pleasure them! Show honor now, show a stony heart and sink them with it!

Overall, Miller depicts how certain characters exercise honesty, argue for justice, and display integrity, while Salem's corrupt authority figures and Abigail Williams are only concerned with maintaining power and influence in the community.

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