Essay On Mary Warren In The Crucible

728 Words2 Pages

The Salem Witch Trials occurred from 1692-1693.Witch trials were not uncommon in Puritan society;therefore it was not unusual for it too have occurred. The only unusual aspect was the frenzy and large number of accused.The mass hysteria of this event was to be matched in the nation once more during the Red Scare of the Cold War period, and prompted Arthur Miller to write a play about it. Thus, The Crucible was born. In the play several characters contribute to the worsening situation in Salem. One of these characters whom carries the blame of the trials is surely Mary Warren.

At the beginning of the play a group of girls decide to pretend to have been “witched” so as to avoid getting into any actual trouble within their community. Along with these girls who are pretending witchcraft has spread to their town, is Mary Warren. Initially, Mary is against faking such a heinous crime, but she easily convinced otherwise. “I say shut it, Mary Warren!” (Act 1, 73). After Abigail says that Mary …show more content…

He uses her as a way to hopefully end the antics of the girls in order to save his wife. Mary’s inconsistencies in her story causes great conflict, because at that time many have already been accused, and her claims that the girls are lying makes the court look bad. It was easy for Mary to side with John Proctor (as he was her boss), but her inconsistency does not end there. Mary becomes anxious when confronted by the judges and other girls, so she backs out of helping John Proctor. She switches sides again, “You’re the Devil’s man!” (Act 3, 1430). She decides to argue pro witchcraft and accuses Mr. Proctor. By doing this she allows the blame to fall on her once more by ruining her only chance at ending the trials and subsequently saving the

Open Document