Sacrifice In The Crucible

It has often been stated that one of the most precious gifts in the world is life itself. A vast majority of the people on this planet go above and beyond to protect this universally cherished gift. People are taught from a young age the lofty value and glorious nature that life has to this world. Almost all the legendary authors, artist, and playwrights have touched upon the importance that a life has in this world. However, after an analysis of the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller the validity of Reverend Hale’s statement “Life is God’s most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it.” has come into question. Though nobody wants their life taken from them unwillingly when it is not one's own life on the

Of all people to oppose what is supposed to be the most important of gods principles few would suspect the one who interprets the lords laws. The people of Salem had complete faith in Judge Danforth's messages and verdicts on cases because he is supposedly the interpreter of who is innocent in god's eyes. Judge Danforth was also supposed to be a man whom was just and judged all persons fairly in god's honor however, as the play develops it becomes more prevalent that judge Danforth could care less about the residents of Salem. This conclusion was evidenced by the entirety of act three in which good, well standing, members of Salem’s society attempted to present honest evidence to put an end to the senseless witch hunt but, ended up being arrested and sentenced to death instead because of Judge Danforth’s insecurities. Had Judge Danforth truly cared about the fate of those in Salem he would have set aside his fear of ruining his immaculate reputation in order to ensure that these people were being sentenced fairly. The person who was expected to uphold the honor of the lord through just and fair trials completely disregarded all of those things simply so he could continue to deny the fact that he had been duped by a group of clever little girls. Through his actions Judge Danforth proved that his reputation as a perfect Judge was worth the lives of over 12 innocent people whom likely had families and loved ones who they needed to care for. It takes a true monster to be able and accept the fact that the people he senselessly killed had people who needed and depended on them to