Vices In The Crucible

In the play: The Crucible Miller reveals the effect of the Salem Witch Trials on the people due to their growing fear. Miller shows that fear exasperates man’s innate vices of self-preservation, greed, and hypocrisy. In The Crucible Miller demonstrates these vices through Danforth, a prestigious judge that should represent the peak of human morality and reason. Miller uses the Salem Witch Trials to foster a desire for self-preservation, and Danforth demonstrates that all members of society are affected by this desire. Miller introduces Danforth as: “Deputy Governor Danforth… a grave man in his sixties… with an exact loyalty to his position and his cause” (CITATION). Danforth represents the strong, puritan judge resolute in his belief in reason

Thus, Danforth exhibits man’s natural instinct for self-preservation as he sought first to protect his own reputation rather than investigating the charge. As such, Miller uses Danforth to demonstrate even those who represent justice: the seemingly incorruptible can succumb to their fear and desire for self-preservation. According to psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg, Danforth bases his actions on conventional morality. Kohlberg states: “Authority is internalized but not questioned” (CITATION). Danforth’s morality and level of thought represents the thought process of many of the Puritans. However, this type of attitude endangers society as Danforth is now very hesitant to admit an error as the law cannot make a mistake. Since Danforth represents the law if the credibility of the law is tarnished then Danforth’s own reputation suffers. Thus, Danforth’s attempt to prevent the court from making a mistake denotes an act of self-preservation. In Stacy Schiff’s article Tituba demonstrates that all mankind becomes motivated by self-preservation when threatened. The article relates Tituba’s confession: “The devil came to me… and bid me serve him” (CITATION). Thus, rather than simply denying the