The Fear of the Noose in The Crucible by Arthur Miller

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Witchery a disgusting, horrifying plague cast upon people, which spreads faster than wildfire. As one experience’s fear each day, it begins to enhance and branch out towards everyone around them. This is the issue in the book The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Arthur Miller establishes a period in the American history known as the Salem witch trials of 1692. It is a well built Puritan society in which the citizens are bonded with the church. During this time McCarthyism was in play, it was the anti-communist suspicions into the U.S. The theme in the story The Crucible was honesty and truth versus scapegoat. Arthur Miller used the noose to lead the reader to the theme of honesty vs. scapegoat. The noose represents the most prevalent symbol in The Crucible.
The symbol, noose, displays death, fear, and hysteria throughout the people of Massachusetts. Miller used the symbol of the noose to develop the theme of honesty versus scapegoat. “This woman must be hanged! She must be taken and hanged! (Putnam 44)”. The quote shows the fear developing inside of Tituba as she is trying to avoid her death at any cost. After hearing the seriousness in Putnam’s voice Tituba’s death was certain. Even as it is a lie Tituba will do whatever it takes to save her. “I want to open myself! I saw Sarah Good, Goody Osburn, and Bridget Bishop with the devil! (Abigail 48)”. Abigail too has seen the fear and of the noose as she starts to tell lies and put others in danger. Throughout the story accusation becomes the main part of witchery as well as the noose. Just to save oneself trouble has to be brought upon other. As seen the noose brings out one’s inner fear, capable enough to make a pure soul lie in order to be saved.
The noose portrays the feeling of hy...

... middle of paper ...

...rong. John Proctor had been having affairs with Abigail behind Elizabeth’s back. This proves to be a wrong-doing towards the Puritan culture or purity. The crucible brings out a man’s true nature and identity, which is exactly what, had happened for Proctor.
In conclusion, the theme of honesty and truth versus scapegoat plays a huge role in the book The Crucible. Either a person will have to side with purity or take a different road to achieve his/her own goal. It is fascinating how the closest relative, neighbor, or friend can change character for the benefit of himself and their family. The people who understood the situation and tried to stay calm were able to handle the situations better. A person that would fit this criterion would an example of Reverend Hale. The most vital symbol in The Crucible would be the noose as it portrays fear, death and hysteria.

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