Theocracy and Belief: An Insight into Salem's Puritan Society

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Every group of people is unique, all who have their own beliefs and values In “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. The author tells the story of the citizens of Salem who, as Puritans, withheld strong beliefs in the word of God. Miller begins the play by providing the reader with information of the characters background. He states, “For good purposes, even higher purposes, the people of Salem developed a theocracy” (I. 30). Theocracy is a type of government where a God is said to be the supreme ruler. In other words, the people of Salem were very narrow-minded. They did not care for others opinions because if it was stated in the Bible, then why question it? The Bible states the Devil is real? So be it. Due to this mindset, many innocent lives were taken away during 1692. Although some were exaggerated, Puritan beliefs established order and discipline in a community for they thought these morals would improve the lives of people. Puritans came to America in hopes to find a place where they can freely practice their religion to the fullest extent. Following their arrival, they established the Massachusetts Bay Colony in present day …show more content…

To replace these activities, people dedicated themselves to going to church, bible study, and sermon-going. They believed anything other than these activities would separate them from God and lead them into a life of sin. This type of idealism could have been a possible catalyst to the Salem Witch Trials in “The Crucible”. At the start of the play, Abigail and the other girls were accused of witchcraft because they were found dancing in the woods. If Puritans had allowed dancing in their religion, would the girls have ever been questioned? With this in mind, a person cannot help but wonder if the Salem Witch Trials could have been avoided with this

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