How Does The Crucible Show The Nature Of Power And Authority

Explore Miller’s dramatic presentation and development of the theme of power and authority.

Even though The Crucible is not historically correct, nor is it a perfect allegory for anti-Communism, or as a faithful account of the Salem trials, it still stands out as a powerful and timeless depiction of how intolerance, hysteria, power and authority is able to tear a community apart. The most important of these is the nature of power, authority and its costly, and overwhelming results. “But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or against it,” says Danforth conceitedly. With this antithesis, Miller sums up the attitude of the authorities towards the witch trials that if one goes against the judgement of the court they

“Looking at Giles,” he states, “who is this man?” One can evidently sense an outrage here as he cannot believe that someone is challenging his authority. On another occasion in Act 3, Danforth asks, "You deny every scrap and tittle of this?" Abigial responds by “hissing”, "If I must answer that, I will leave and I will not come back again." Momentarily, Miller then states in the stage directions that Danforth "seems unsteady." Here, Miller has displayed Danforth not to speak, with the crafty technique of silence again, and this allows Abigail to have more control of the courtroom than anyone else. Even though Abigail has no essence of authority, she still manages to gain power by quietening Danforth. Structurally, Act 3 is the most complicated section of the whole play. Miller does not place his trial scene in the courtroom itself but we can still listen to what is happening there, and then, by a natural sequence of events, judges and defendants remove themselves to an anteroom on stage. Thus Miller can bring into play the hysteria of such drama, but in a much freer setting. In this act there is also a striking example of what is known as the holding back of climax. The judges are in the utter belief that they are right and it is Danforth who is especially proud of his authority. “Surely you do not question my justice,” from Danforth signifies that under his rule, he has no opposition to take into consideration. He is essentially on a quest to prove that witchcraft is rife in Salem. When Parris asks Danforth to postpone the hangings that are due that day before the “sun is up,” Danforth replies that “this way unconfessed and claiming innocence, doubts are multiplied.” This shows how Danforth is desperate to protect his power, authority and his good name because if he postpones the hangings, the citizens of Salem would begin to cast doubt