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Essay on character analysis of all the characters of the crucible
Essay on character analysis of all the characters of the crucible
Arthur Miller as a dramatist
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In the play The Crucible, characters are presented in many ways. The ways Miller presents the character of Parris is through what the characters say, stage directions, what the character of Parris says and does and the relationships that Parris has with other characters in the play.
At the beginning of the play, Miller describes Reverend Parris using narration. This is the first impressions we get of Parris.
“…discovered kneeling next to a bed, evidently in prayer…”
From this we know that the character of Parris is seen to be austere and that he has faith in God to make better what has gone wrong. As we see him praying to God we know that he is a puritan who believes that God will help him and make solutions to all his problems. As he is seen to be mumbling it also mentions how
“…confusion hangs about him. He mumbles.”
He is seen to be worrying because of the crisis he is in. From the stage directions it seems to be that he is deep in thought. He is not sure as to yet what has taken place but he knows that the people of Salem will be quick to judge him on his actions. This is seen to be another reason as to why he is turning to god as he is his last hope. The word ‘confusion’ shows the anxiousness and how he is afraid because he has no solution or cure. This links to there being a presence of evil which he is considering as he has no evidence to prove otherwise. The word ‘mumbling’ shows how he is trying to console himself because of what is happening and he is trying to persuade to himself that it can’t be from witchcraft. Another reason he may be mumbling is because he doesn’t want anyone to hear what he is saying. The people he thinks may hear may be the audience or the villagers of Salem.
In the stage directions it is also ...
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...cial. When Putnam questions Parris as to what he has heard is more asked as an accusation,
“They say you’ve sent for Reverend Hale of Beverly?”
The way in which Putnam asks the questions shows that he is stating as if Reverend Parris can not cope and does not what to do. He is trying to depreciate his status in the village and is mentioning very slyly how he is happy to have someone else who is better and will solve this problem of witchcraft. The words ‘they say’ start of as a rhetorical question but end as if he wants an answer and would be very relieved if the answer is what he is wanting to hear. From this we can assume that Putman and Mrs Putnam both do not like him much and he does not like them as he is always trying to stand up for himself when they are there and that they are always trying to bring him back down.
Works Cited
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Throughout the story, Reverend Parris is shown to be on edge when he speaks, often because he is afraid of what others might think, say, or do to him. An example of this is when Parris is speaking with Abigail and says, “But if you trafficked with spirits in the forest I must know it now, for surely my enemies will, and they will ruin me with it” (Page 10, Miller). This shows how Reverend Parris is afraid of what his enemies will do to him and his reputation. On page 14, Parris is shown to again be very frightful, as he says, “They will howl me out of Salem for such corruption in my house” (Page 14, Miller). He jumps to conclusions and assumes the worst that he will be thrown out of Salem, which characterizes him as fearful.
In 'The Crucible' by Arthur Miller, John Proctor is the hero of the play. He is a good man, described as being :
Though he does make some mistakes, John Proctor is essentially a good man. In act one, Proctor exchanges angry words with Reverend Parris and says, "I may speak my heart, I think!" (30). Parris is more concerned with money than God, and John honestly speaks of how wrong that is even though it would get him into trouble. When Reverend Hale asks him why his third son is not baptized, John tells him, "I like it not that Mr.
Salem citizens in general were afraid of all ungodly things with their Puritan views. They had no trouble believing that, because Parris had called Reverend Hale, (known for his studies in demonic arts), there must truly be witchcraft within the town. The play progresses and certain characters begin to develop: here is a community full of underlying personal grudges. Religion pervades every aspect of life, 'A man may think that God sleeps, but God sees everything, I know it now.'; but it is a religion that lacks the ritual of confession. Here and throughout the play we see how this affects John Proctor, a man so proud of his name that guilt eats at his very heart, as he will not let out his secret pain in a vain attempt to keep his integrity.
For instance, Parris, Abigail’s uncle and the main reverend of Salem, feels great at first when people started to get accused of being witches. He knows that witchery is unlikely in Salem because the girls admitted to just playing. However, when Parris claims that Abigail can see spirits, he saves his position in the church. It is only when he sees that he may lose his life due to this lie, that he wants to stop. Parris expresses this to the judges, “Tonight, when I open my door to leave my house—a dagger clattered down” (200). Parris starts to care when his life is at stake, but he was stress-free for a while. He foresaw positive effects of this lie, but he understands his mistake of letting the executions continue. Lastly, Proctor admits to the judge that he had an affair with Abigail because he wants this injustice to end. The judge takes Abigail’s side, but they still ask Elizabeth to confirm or deny Proctor’s confession because she is known for only telling the truth. The judge demands an
Proctor also conflicts with Thomas Putnam, whom he mistrusts because of his greed and willingness to hurt others in order gain land for himself, throughout the play.
Parris’ selfish desires prevent him from having an honest relationship with his children, which leads to the girls deceiving him about their dance in the forest. Parris is so focused on getting what he desires like money, power, and a good reputation, that it causes him to neglect his children. His disregard for his children is so significant to the play, that Miller uses this trait to define his character. When Parris is first introduced in the play, Miller describes him as “a widower with
Instead, those who have not been born to privilege or given official roles are forced to take responsibility and provide direction for their communities. Parris and Bradford are self-centred individuals who are only concerned about their own wellbeing in times of crisis. Worried that his “enemies” will “howl [him] out of Salem”, Parris is desperate to dispel all dissenting views on the court as and is quick to lay blame on others as a way of keeping his position in the theocracy, and within the social power struggle in Salem. Through his behaviour, Miller suggests they act in ways that contradict the norms of ethic as it is beneficial to do so as a means of maintaining power and control. Similarly, in “Year of Wonders”, the Bradfords, who are the first family to settle in Eyam give "neither aims of any sort nor even a kindly word" to the community. Colonel Bradford is described as “intelligent soldier” who has led men with "uncommon valour" through war, but that leadership skill is not applied when the spread of the plague worsen.
In the beginning of scene 1, we notice him positioned at his daughter (Betty) sick bed. Appearing sad at first people might be feel remorseful for him, but after a while we notice that he is just reminiscing and thinking about his reputation, unconsciously think about his daughters wellbeing , he is fearful of what the people of Salem will think about him and thinking about the consequences of there being witch craft in his household, he will be relinquished from his status as the minister of Salem textual evidence state,”parris (studies her, then nods, half convinced) Abigail, I have fought here three long years to bend these stiff-necked people to me, and now, just when some good respect is rising for me in the parish, you compromise my very character”(crucible 144). This reveals that he is only worried and concerned about the respect he has gained and the concern he has about protecting
... his preaching. He can be seen as a good example of how a clergyman should be. The Friar on the other hand in deed, speech, motives, and reasoning, is questionable in relation to his position. He is a selfish man who will take from, but not be amongst the poor since there is little good it will do him. Instead of using his office to do good works and to lead people closer to religion, he uses it for personal profit. His piety is less than devout, as it is insinuates that he is a lecherous man who is very interested in women. He would rather be among the wealthy than be true to his orders. In contrast to the Parson, he is not a good example of a clergyman. These pilgrims work together to show good and bad instances of men of the church, and comment on eachother in their characteristics in a way that highlights the qualities of one and the faults of the other.
Parris is only the part of a whole when it comes to what he embodies-- Parris ultimately embodies the nature of Salem, Although Salem is ruled by God, the events of The Crucible prove otherwise. Throughout the play, characters are either egotistical in their own regard or are shown committing impious acts to safeguard their reputation among Salem residents. This is not a town ruled by God; it is a town ruled by deceptive people who have no remorse for the effects caused by their ruthless
Thomas Putnam has a very large part in initiating the Salem witch hunt. He is the first character who blames unnatural causes for the illness among the children. Furthermore, he firmly believes in the existence of 'vengeful spirits layin' hands on these children';(15). 'There is a murderous witch among us,'; he vehemently cries out(16). His action isn't surprising because he has lost seven newborns and his Ruth is sick. He wants to hunt down the witch, but he needs some aid. He lays his eyes on Parris because Parris is the minister and Betty is also ill. Thus, Putnam tries to coerce Parris to witchcraft. 'Declare it yourself,'; Putnam tells Parris, 'you have discovered witchcraft';(16). At this point, Putnam captures everyone's attention, and then he strikes.
This is suggested through John Procter's sympathetic role as the tragic hero, who is in conflict with his own desires "I will cut off my hand before I ever reach for you again". Referring to his adultery with Abigail Williams. John Procter is a straight-forward man of common sense and is impatient with foolishness with others. This leads him into conflict with people who have a different view such as Reverend Parris who enrages honest men like John Procter. " In my house? In my house, Thomas? They will topple me with this" these words reveal to us a man who only cares about himself. He considers any dissension from his views as an attack on him personally and the church and the court itself " This is a clear attack upon the court". Parris also represents an anxious man with little self-confidence which is revealed by Stage directions, " nervously moves." However, a character who represents society is reverend John Hale who shows himself to be more rational and conscientious by considering the evidence. Even though this is a different a stance he had, to begin with as he represented himself as a self-regarding
This is suggested through John Procter's sympathetic role as the tragic hero, who is in conflict with his own desires "I will cut off my hand before I ever reach for you again". Referring to his adultery with Abigail Williams. John Procter is a straight-forward man of common sense and is impatient with foolishness with others. This leads him into conflict with people who have a different view such as Reverend Parris who enrages honest men like John Procter. " In my house? In my house, Thomas? They will topple me with this" these words reveal to us a man who only cares about himself. He considers any dissension from his views as an attack on him personally and the church and the court itself " This is a clear attack upon the court". Parris also represents an anxious man with little self-confidence which is revealed by Stage directions, " nervously moves." However, a character who represents society is reverend John Hale who shows himself to be more rational and conscientious by considering the evidence. Even though this is a different a stance he had, to begin with as he represented himself as a self-regarding
Parris: "Aye, a dress. And I thought I saw – someone naked running through the trees.” The play, The Crucible, by Arthur Miller had very many themes in it. Some of these themes stood out more then others. These themes would be hysteria, reputation, and hypocrisy. These themes were present throughout the entire play, from the beginning till the end. When you think of a Puritan religion you may think of a very good, morally perfect society. This wasn’t the case in Salem, Massachusetts. It was actually the opposite in the play, there was lying, cheating, stealing and just about everything else you wouldn’t want in your society.