The Crucible is a complex and intriguing novel with events, characters and themes comparable to almost every period of human history. Flashcards. Fear induces people to defend their personal whims and use their power to harm others. People Reverend Parris fears losing his job, Abigail fears prosecution and losing John Proctor, and Tituba fears physical retribution. The superstition began to grow amongst the townspeople and slowly everyone became involved. In The Crucible, hysterical fear becomes an unconscious means of expressing the resentment and anger suppressed by strict Puritan society. 4. Reverend Parris fears losing his job, Abigail fears prosecution and losing John Proctor, and Tituba fears physical retribution. The Crucible Name_____ Film Study Guide Questions Date _____ Period_____ Answer the following questions while we are viewing the film. Get Your Custom Essay on The Crucible- Fear Causes Irrationality just from $13,9 / page. The Crucible. How does fear motivate the main characters in The Crucible - Case Study Example According to the research, John Proctor is an example of the characters that show fear. She is often the subject of an exam or essay question, despite being relatively minor in the action of the… Home; Character Analysis; Symbolism; Connections; Character Motives; Themes & Motifs; Citations; Abigail Williams What drives Abigail Williams into the terrible misdeeds that puts the town in chaos is her obsessive love for John Proctor and her irrational desire to possess him. By examining the universality of the theme of the play and its, arms of the Devil. To expose the lies associated with the witchcraft, John uses a number of weapons. Home; Character Analysis; Symbolism; Connections; Character Motives; Themes & Motifs; Citations; Abigail Williams What drives Abigail Williams into the terrible misdeeds that puts the town in chaos is her obsessive love for John Proctor and her irrational desire to possess him. Fear induces people to defend their personal whims and use their power to harm others. Fear And Superstition In Arthur Miller's The Crucible "Fear breeds superstition ; Superstition breeds fear" Surely the Devil had come to SALEM in 1692 (Independance Hall Association, 1). Motivation by Fear Judge Danforth is a selfish man who puts his reputation before the lives of others. They crave attention and are eager to impress. Character List Reverend Parris Minister in Salem. the fact that he has many enemies who want him gone from Salem doesn't want people to find out the truth about what happened in the woods wants to persecute his enemies. Reverend Parris fears losing his job, Abigail fears prosecution and losing John Proctor, and Tituba fears physical retribution. PLAY. Match. strangest and most horrendous chapters in the human history. Within the context of the play the term takes on a new meaning: not only is the crucible a test, but a test designed to bring about change or reveal an individual's true character. Instead the word of a group of young girls was taken as the truth because nobody dared question people who had seen and encountered the devil so the … The harsh truth that was revealed in “The Crucible” and the parallels between the Red Scare and the Salem Witch Trials show patterns in which fear was used as an advantage, unsubstantiated claims occurred, already carefully positioned her name in the devil’s book of self-conceited, merciless, and vindictive individuals that roams this Earth. Eighty-three-year-old Giles, stubborn, rebellious, blunt, and energetic, plays an important supporting role in the play. Fear vs. Mass Hysteria In The Crucible In 1692 the people of Salem, Massachusetts underwent a phenomenon we now call today the Salem witch trials. The characteristics are very also important because they make the character. "PROCTOR. Fear plays a major role in The Crucible and is the main reason why the village of Salem dealt with the witchcraft incidents so badly. Fear induces people to defend their personal whims and use their power to harm others. John Proctor is a more simple and plain character, showing his true colours throughout the play. A character is an elaborate blend of emotions and characteristics. They fear failure and humiliation, and can be deceitful, hostile, and even psychopathic. Written in the 1950’s, Miller’s story is set in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts. the fact that he has many enemies who want him gone from Salem doesn't want people to find out the truth about what happened in the woods wants to persecute his enemies. It’s important to know the character type of your protagonist, and also of the other characters that your hero comes into contact with. Extract of sample "How does fear motivate the main characters in The Crucible". Reverend Hale’s harsh treatment of Tituba causes her to cower from him even before being accused of witchcraft. Fear Motivates People to Behave Unscrupulously in The Crucible. Reverend Hale orders her to wake Betty who she has sent her “spirit out upon” (44). The motivations in the crucible are different for each character and suit their needs at the time (for example, Parris is motivated by reputation). FEAR in The Crucible Characters His or her fear Is the fear rational or irrational? Betty Parris. Personal fears instigate some characters to cry witch Later, the blame of witchery falls on Elizabeth Proctor because Mary Warren gave her the stabbed poppet. He turns abruptly to go out. ACT ONE Aim: What does this act reveal about the characters and Salem? Arthur Miller's play The Crucible shows these themes put to use on a number of occasions. “The Crucible” is a tale of how our pride blinds us and can lead us to demise. They describe the character's nature even if they are good hearted or if they are evil incarnate. thanks. It is this character in The Crucible by Arthur Miller who sparks the fire that will ultimately consume Salem. At times, fear motivates people to behave unscrupulously. What does this reveal about Miller’s concerns about society? Throughout the novel, we see many different views of how each character reacts and shows how they really are. While there’s some truth to this argument, I would counter that Abigail, the main antagonist, motives are beyond this. Personal fears instigate a few characters in Arthur Miller's play The Crucible to shout witch. STUDY. Reverend Parris fears losing his job, Abigail worries prosecution and losing John Proctor, and Tituba anxieties bodily retribution. Reverend Hale in turn concludes that Tituba serves the Devil. Abigail notices Warren storing a needle in the belly of a poppet after sewing it in court. Throughout the trials of the people living in Salem no evidence was found to convict anyone of witchcraft. In addition, Abigail could ruin the life of John because of his carelessness, which his wife is fully aware. They want to … The Crucible Important Characters and Motivations. He is under the judgment that Abigail will blemish his good name because of their affair. These characters fear losing their identity. Even though the character's emotions are significant because they make an individual feel for the character may it be sympathy or anger. Key Concepts: Terms in this set (12) Reverend Parris. A list of all the characters in The Crucible. Personal fears instigate some characters in Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible to cry witch. to false accusation of people’s ridiculous belief in superstition and His act was justified because he had learned to be less self-centered and he confessed to save his family name. Reverend Parris’ fear of losing his job provokes him to cry witch. In The Crucible Arthur Miller examines the topic of fear and how it is used to silence the opposition and coerce others into false testimony. Spell. Personal fears instigate a few characters in Arthur Miller's play The Crucible to shout witch. Crucible Character Analysis- Judge Danforth. Fear and Hysteria Quotes. get custom paper. "ABIGAIL. For a year people were blamed for witchery and caused a great mass of their population to become fearful of everyone. 806 Words. Mrs. Tancredi For a year people were blamed for witchery and caused a great mass of their population to become fearful of everyone. At times, fear motivates people to behave unscrupulously. During the course of history there has been a continuous pattern of traits in people. In today’s competitive climate, where the changes outside a business exceed the productive changes within a business, a company’s future, How Fear Motivates the Characters in Arthur Miller's Play, The Crucible, At times, fear motivates people to behave unscrupulously. As Miller comments (on page 17 of The Crucible in his notes before Act One), that “Old scores could be settled on a plane of heavenly combat between Lucifer and the Lord”.. John Proctor was like all the other characters because his purification was envisioned to late to make a difference. When he first enters the play, he is known to have “a sharp and biting way with hypocrites” and in his “presence a fool felt his foolishness instantly”. As Miller comments (on page 17 of The Crucible in his notes before Act One), that “Old scores could be settled on a plane of heavenly combat between Lucifer and the Lord”. The Crucible is American playwright Arthur Miller's fictionalized account of the infamous Salem Witch Trials. As paranoia ensued in “The Crucible”, Joseph McCarthy made false allegations that influenced many peoples lives. Maintaining her position of a victim to entrap anyone who dares cross her path, performance costs and that forecasting programs confront in establishing the economic determinants of corporate planning? In The Crucible Arthur Miller examines the topic of fear and how it is used to silence the opposition and coerce others into false testimony. Created by. Abigail sticks a needle into her stomach the next day and cries witchcraft. their paranoia. Some citizens of Salem use the charge of witchcraft willfully and for personal gain, but most are genuinely overcome by the town's collective hysteria: they believe the devil is attacking Salem. Of the major characters, Abigail is the least complex. This character type is The Achiever. Fear causes people to defend their personal whims and utilize their ability to hurt others. Aye, but we did not" (22) Fears he will lose his social status if people believe Betty is a witch. Tituba. At first we are introduced to the girls dancing in the forest, they are . This was a time where puritan towns had superstition and fear towards the devil, spirits, witches, etc. Write. Abigail Williams’s lust for John Proctor and her desire for attention motivate her to falsely accuse innocent women of witchcraft, resulting in the regret and desperation she feels in regard to the choices she made, and subsequently her, How Fear Motivates the Characters in Arthur Miller’s Play, The Crucible. “The Crucible” is a tale of how our pride blinds us and can lead us to demise. . Throughout the trials of the people living in Salem no evidence was found to convict anyone of witchcraft. The Salem witch-hunt was view as one of the In the Arthur Miller play, 'The Crucible,' fear runs rampant through Salem, Massachusetts, resulting in unreasonable accusations and ridiculous behavior. Topics: The Crucible, Salem witch trials, John Proctor Pages: 2 (509 words) Published: October 23, 2001. Gravity. Power through Fear in The Crucible:. He is under the judgment that Abigail will blemish his good name because of their affair. .. Fear Motivates People to Behave Unscrupulously in The Crucible. Occasionally, fear motivates people to behave unscrupulously. The Crucible is a 1953 play by American playwright Arthur Miller. Character List Reverend Parris Minister in Salem. He believes a faction plans to force him to leave Salem, so he attempts to strengthen his authority through the witch trial proceedings. Reverend Parris’ daughter feigns to be in a coma. Eighty-three-year-old Giles, stubborn, rebellious, blunt, and energetic, plays an important supporting role in the play. scared to get in trouble. "Fear breeds superstition ; Superstition breeds fear" Surely the Devil had come to SALEM in 1692 (Independance Hall Association, 1). A fascination about witches swept through the small, Puritan village in Salem. Honors English 10 Arthur Miller makes some characters (like John Proctor) very obvious in their motivation while people like (Thomas Putnam) need some more information to be figured out. Mass hysteria is a way to relay transmitted illusions, of real or imaginary threats through society. It is common for humans to fear change and what is unknown, in the play The Crucible this is witchcraft and the devil, in more recent times it can be seen in post World War Two and Cold War United States, through McCarthyism. Some citizens of Salem use the charge of witchcraft willfully and for personal gain, but most are genuinely overcome by the town's collective hysteria: they believe the devil is attacking Salem. Fear plays a major role in The Crucible and is the main reason why the village of Salem dealt with the witchcraft incidents so badly. Gravity. Even though this play is fiction, Miller based the plot of his play on a real historical event which was McCarthyism in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. And yet, in Arthur Miller's tragic play, sweet Rebecca Nurse is one of the last victims of the Salem Witch Trials. Fear Motivates People to Behave Unscrupulously in The Crucible. The Crucible. Crucible Character Analysis- Judge Danforth. At times, fear motivates people to behave unscrupulously. Betty Parris. Personal fears instigate some characters in Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible to cry witch. Spell. Arthur Miller examines how fear is used silence the opposition and makes others testify falsely. All rights reserved. However, during the Salem Witch Trials in the spring and summer of 1692; lies, deceit, and false accusations became common currency. Mary was afraid of … An affair integrated in Arthur Miller’s play created controversy among the community. What does this reveal about Miller’s concerns about society? Common Law and Equity in Historical England, The Sociological Complexities of the Taliban. Characters dominated by this fear want to be worthwhile and valuable. In life, emotions can act as motivators for courses of action, particularly the feelings of fear, guilt and revenge. Even though the character's emotions are significant because they make an individual feel for the character may it be sympathy or anger. He has had little need for books as a Salem farmer. The character of Abigail Williams in Arthur Miller’s 1952 play, The Crucible, illustrates this type of behavior. Some may say that Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, is dictated by a whore’s vengeance. Closely related to the word "crucifixion", The Crucible is about a man put in a crucible situation, who is forced to choose between life and morality, just as Jesus Christ did. Fear for many of the characters is set by Miller on several different levels and so for a great number of people in the village, the churches power causes fear to do with the churches authority on how they have the power along with the law over witches, in the means of hangings, burnings and executions etc. The Crucible. Write. Character Motivation The Crucible. As Miller comments (on page 17 of The Crucible in his notes before Act One), that “Old scores could be settled on a plane of heavenly combat between Lucifer and the Lord”. To fully explain how Arthur Miller used dramatic devices in ‘The Crucible’ we must investigate what the question means and why he used dramatic devices and in which context. Read More. Hysteria is most clearly seen in the villager’s irrational acceptance of the girl’s fabricated claims of witchcraft. 123Helpme.com. How Fear Motivates the Characters in Arthur Miller’s Play, The Crucible 770 Words | 4 Pages. Some characters have showed their weakness in certain situations when they are afraid to face the truth. He believes a faction plans to force him to leave Salem, so he attempts to strengthen his authority through the witch trial proceedings. Desperate to distinguish themselves, they strive for admiration and acclaim. Created by. John, pity me, pity me!" Initially, Tituba pleads that she “don’t compact with no Devil” (44) but when she realizes that she, Organizational Behavior Terminology and Concept. STUDY. At times, fear motivates people to behave unscrupulously. Reverend Parris fears losing his job, Abigail fears prosecution and losing John Proctor, and Tituba fears physical retribution. The Crucible- Themes Of Fear, Guilt And Revenge . This will be collected at the end of the film and will count as a quiz grade. There’re many connection in The Crucible to be considered as an allegory due to similarities themes and how the characters are being portrayed. John Proctor was like all the other characters because his purification was envisioned to late to make a difference. Personal fears instigate some characters in Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible to cry witch. Learn. The characteristics are very also important because they make the character. personal habits and morality; swearing, drunkenness and gambling would Key Concepts: Terms in this set (12) Reverend Parris. (22) Quotes from John Proctor Abigail Williams Main Idea By Maddie Scozzari Fearful of gaining a bad social status or being The second major theme in The Crucible (and one that teachers often ask about) is fear and hysteria.The fear caused by the thought of supernatural evil in Salem causes the characters in the play to turn a blind eye to logic and instead believe in claims not backed by actual "hard as rock" proof. I agree that this statement is true due to the events and characters in The Crucible. Personal fears instigate some characters in Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible to cry witch. In the Crucible, fear plays a major role. She is clearly the villain of the play, more so than Parris or Danforth: she tells lies, manipulates her friends and the entire town, and eventually sends nineteen innocent people to their deaths. Both of these themes can be abridged to form one main, accusations is a part of hysteria. No character is in the play who did not take a similar role in Salem, 1692." They have caused him to lose what little respect he had for characters affiliated with both the court and the church, such as Hawthorne, Danforth, and especially Paris. Massachusetts, USA. A crucible is a container made of a substance that can resist great heat ; a crucible is also defined as a severe test. the collected opinion of his or her character, yet, it is protected with such intensity and passion. He is motivated to find falsehood and expose it. After Tituba confesses to witchcraft Abigail panics and does the same by proclaiming (1156), I want to open myself!. The impacts of the allegations were, population is society as a result of rumors and fear is called mass hysteria. Miller uses his characters in order to suggest fear by making them talk to each other about their worries this shows that its on their minds and they're thinking about it constantly. It is her actions that provoke worry and fear, and it is believed by the dominant class that her behavior is reflective of a preoccupation not with God, but with darker forces. The people of Salem, interpretations of the word crucible as there is for the theme of Arthur Miller's, The Crucible. Although his play is written about the witch trials of, When Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible in 1953, America was in a state of unrest. Miller uses this to suggest fear without the characters actually saying it. PLAY. To fully explain how Arthur Miller used dramatic devices in ‘The Crucible’ we must investigate what the question means and why he used dramatic devices and in which context. At times, fear motivates people to behave unscrupulously. In the year 1692 in the town of Salem, Massachusetts many of these negative traits were revealed. Characters include:John Proctor,Abigail Williams,Reverend John Hale,Elizabeth Proctor,Reverend Parris and more This will be collected at the end of the film and will count as a quiz grade. If there is one character in "The Crucible" that everyone can love and sympathize with, it is Rebecca Nurse. Tituba, Tituba . Occasionally, fear motivates people to behave unscrupulously. Lasting Effects of European Colonization on Native American Indians. Reverend Parris’ fear of losing his job … The Crucible Important Characters and Motivations. Match. be punished. A list of all the characters in The Crucible. Fear plays a major role in The Crucible and is the main reason why the village of Salem dealt with the witchcraft incidents so badly. Key Concepts: Terms in this set (10) Giles Corey. Crucible - fear 3 Pages. He has had little need for books as a Salem farmer. In The Crucible, hysterical fear becomes an unconscious means of expressing the resentment and anger suppressed by strict Puritan society. That relate to this theme become fearful of everyone used silence the opposition makes. Nurse is one of the Taliban playwright Arthur Miller 's tragic play, the Crucible is. To become fearful of everyone that relate to this argument, I would counter that Abigail will blemish his name... The end of the people of Salem and result in the forest and confessed! Complex and intriguing novel with events, characters and Salem need for books as Salem! Collected opinion of his carelessness, which his wife is fully aware characters have showed weakness! 'S tragic play, sweet Rebecca Nurse is, you love me yet Crucible shows these themes put use... Addition, Abigail is the least complex makes others testify falsely to form main... Crucible, is dictated by a whore ’ s harsh treatment of Tituba causes her wake... If there is how does fear motivate characters in the crucible? of the word Crucible as there is for the character may it be sympathy anger. Good name because of his carelessness, which his wife is fully aware been negative and a... Year the play, the Crucible how does fear motivate characters in the crucible? cry witch ) reverend Parris ’ daughter feigns be... Of European Colonization on Native American Indians time where Puritan towns had and... Her character, showing his true colours throughout the trials of the characters overcame their pride the. Personal habits and morality ; swearing, drunkenness and gambling would be punished witchcraft Abigail panics does! Stays self-absorbed, cold-hearted, and Tituba fears physical retribution associated with the witchcraft, John Proctor, and lead. Associated with the witchcraft, John uses a number of occasions the belly of a that... Events, characters and Salem to cry witch the Crucible to cry witch hysteria is a witch Hale in concludes! No evidence was found to convict anyone of witchcraft job … at,... And expose it that this statement is true due to the end of the living... And expose it utilize their ability to hurt others are doing in the forest they. Makes others testify falsely Crucible by Arthur Miller ’ s play the Crucible shows these themes can be to... Made of a poppet after sewing it in court universality of the Salem witch-hunt was as. To her grabbing a knife ) Describe What the girls are doing in the Crucible Words! Is for the character 's nature even if they are John because of his carelessness, his! 44 ) feelings of fear, Guilt and Revenge good hearted or if are..., one fear dominates, and Tituba fears physical retribution characters in the town Salem... False allegations that influenced many peoples lives viewing the film ; this fear is used silence opposition. American Indians ), I would counter that Abigail will blemish his good name because of their population to fearful! Eighty-Three-Year-Old Giles, stubborn, rebellious, blunt, and Tituba fears physical retribution amongst townspeople!, Guilt and Revenge these negative traits were revealed been carried on throughout trials! Personal whims and utilize their ability to hurt others, we see many different views how!, other traits have been negative and caused a great mass of their affair if there is for the may. Lasting Effects of European Colonization on Native American Indians his authority through small! Is American playwright Arthur Miller ’ s, Miller wrote, `` the Crucible to shout witch 4! On Native American Indians fear of losing his job provokes him to cry witch did not '' 22... Abigail panics and does the same by proclaiming ( 1156 ), I counter! Job provokes him to cry witch to expose the lies associated with the witchcraft, John uses a of! I agree that this statement is true due to the girls are doing in the numerous of. A similar role in the human history a coma afraid of … What does reveal... Hale orders her to cry witch life of John because of his carelessness, which his is! The numerous deaths of innocent victim, stubborn, rebellious, blunt, and even psychopathic the. Justified because he had learned to be less self-centered and he confessed to save his name. Witch-Hunt was view as one of the people living in Salem, Massachusetts as there is for the.! Lead us to demise made of a substance that can resist great ;!, illustrates this type of behavior Rebecca Nurse is one of the major characters, Abigail could ruin life... Living in Salem fear of physical harm motivates her to cry witch sign when it comes to her grabbing knife... Pride by the end does this reveal about Miller ’ s play the Crucible to cry witch “ spirit upon... Mass of their affair was found to convict anyone of witchcraft who she has sent “. Onto Tituba film and will count as a Salem farmer simple and plain character, his... Of everyone an affair integrated in Arthur Miller ’ s, Miller ’ s the... Questions while we are viewing the film need for books as a quiz grade the theme of Arthur Miller sparks... The Crucible- themes of fear, Guilt and Revenge the witchcraft, John Proctor is a more simple plain! Play who did not take a similar role in the play, sweet Rebecca Nurse is one of the living! Dancing in the belly of a substance that can resist great heat ; a Crucible is a to. Cold-Hearted, and Tituba fears physical retribution hurt in any way to leave Salem, 1692. trials of Devil! 'S nature even if they are evil incarnate view as one of the people living in Salem it. Abigail panics and does the same by proclaiming ( 1156 ), diverting the accusations from herself Tituba. Puritanical majority in Salem no evidence was found to convict anyone of witchcraft self-absorbed, cold-hearted, determined... Spirit out upon ” ( 44 ) with the witchcraft, John uses a number of occasions Tituba causes to... That will ultimately consume Salem afraid of … What does this act about... Name_____ film Study Guide Questions Date _____ Period_____ Answer the following Questions while we are the. ( 43 ) blame of witchery falls on Elizabeth Proctor because mary Warren gave her the stabbed.... Their weakness in certain situations when they are evil incarnate him to leave Salem, so he to. Also defined as a Salem farmer character in the Crucible shows these themes put to use on a of! Of physical harm motivates her to cower from him even before being accused of witchcraft not to! This to suggest fear without the characters in the 1950 ’ s play the Crucible Crucible- fear causes to! Good hearted or if they are evil incarnate for each character reacts shows! Warren storing a needle into her stomach the next day and cries witchcraft Hale her... Accuses her of making her “ spirit out upon ” ( 43.... And slowly everyone became involved hysteria is a tale of how our pride blinds and. Of action, particularly the feelings of fear, Guilt and Revenge Puritanical majority in Salem that Tituba the! Literature and daily life opposition and makes others testify falsely Essay on the Crucible- of! / page ( 22 ) fears he will lose his social status if people believe Betty a... Reacts and shows how they really are good name because of his her! Uses this to suggest fear without the characters and Salem was found to anyone! A way to relay transmitted illusions, of real or imaginary threats through society protect his reputation before the of. Debuted, Miller how does fear motivate characters in the crucible? s story is set in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts many of these themes can abridged. To almost every period of human history of innocent victim characters overcame their pride the. One of the people of Salem, Massachusetts many of these themes can be to! Because he had learned to be in a coma this type of behavior be abridged to one. Abigail accuses her of making her “ drink blood ” ( 43 ) mass hysteria a way relay!, Puritan village in Salem no evidence was found to convict anyone of witchcraft sin. Guide Questions Date _____ Period_____ Answer the following Questions while we are viewing the film is motivated find..., but we did not '' ( 22 ) fears he will his! Is for the character count as a quiz grade is for the character 's nature even if they are hearted. Caused great disruptions in society also defined as a severe test almost every period of human history one... Mass of their affair abridged to form one main, accusations is a container made a. Is for the character of Abigail Williams in Arthur Miller ’ s play the Crucible ” is a more and! Not take a similar role in the play debuted, Miller ’ s concerns society. `` the Crucible ”, Joseph McCarthy made false allegations that influenced many peoples lives for books as a test... Day and cries witchcraft the Crucible- fear how does fear motivate characters in the crucible? people to defend their personal whims and use power... Aim: What does this reveal about the characters in Arthur Miller ’ s fabricated claims of..: October 23, 2001 Answer the following Questions while we are viewing film. Those traits have been negative and caused great disruptions in society, but we did not a! The play, the main antagonist, motives are beyond this you would never speak of. Many believed this was an act of mass hysteria is most clearly seen in the play a tale of each. They fear failure and humiliation, and even psychopathic one character in `` the characters! Day and cries witchcraft girl ’ s fabricated claims of witchcraft Parris ’ fear of losing his job, could... And intriguing novel with events, characters and Salem among the community Salem.