Individuality in the Crucible - 1063 Words

Individuality versus Conformity in Miller s The Crucible The theocratic town of Salem, in the late 1600s, not only advocated conformity but stifled individuality. The play, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, illustrates the conflict between conformity and individuality. Salem, a town dependent on the unity and participation, understandably teaches people from a young age to recognize the needs of the community as greater than the needs of an individual. As any unit needs something to hold it all together, Salem forces unity and social conformity through religion. Coincidentally, religion in Salem acts as the judicial system as well, making it particularly hard for individuals to rebel against the practices of the church. Therefor all†¦show more content†¦It is understandable that the young girls decide to go out in secret and dance and act silly to release all the pressure put on by society. When society labels such activities as â€Å"abominations† or â€Å"vain enjoyme nt† the girls have no other choice but blame others for their abominable behavior out of fear of punishment. If the girls were able to express their own individuality or as the people call â€Å"vain enjoyment,† the girls would not feel the need to hide their acts in the forest making it seem like their acts are shameful. In addition with a moderate amount of freedom for self-expression, the girls would not feel the same need to rebel and act out in secret. Essentially the girls truly desire freedom from judgment. Lastly, individuality allows for change and progress so that a community can grow and improve. The rules and regulations of the church need to fit the community and develop with the community as it grows, not limit its growth. Furthermore, when person goes off track it is important to have the ability to change and redirect his course to the correct path. Similarly (?)in the town of Salem, the people abuse the court system accusing innocent people of crime l eft and right leading the courts away from dealing justice. Because Judge Danforth views the law as inflexible he is not able to correct the path of justice. John Proctor is furious with the way the court system is running he says that â€Å"vengeance is walking is SalemShow MoreRelatedIndividuality Vs. Conformity In Arthur Millers The Crucible928 Words   |  4 PagesThe Crucible American playwright, Arthur Miller, in his play The Crucible, implies that witch hunts still exist in American society. Miller supports this claim by drawing parallels between the Salem Witch Trials and the Senator Joseph Mccarthy Trials. His purpose is to warn his readers of the dangers of mass hysteria. He uses emotional appeals and logic to convince the reader that mass â€Å"hunts† are still a danger to Americans today. The central way, however, that Miller achieves his topmost goalRead MoreAnalytical Essay for the Crucible by Arthur Miller937 Words   |  4 Pagesessay for The Crucible by Arthur Miller The Crucible by Arthur Miller is an interpretation of the Salem witch trials of 1692 in Puritan Massachusetts in which religion, justice, individuality and dignity play a vital role. These factors define the characteristics of many of the most significant characters in the play. Some of them being John Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, Reverend Hale, Danforth and many others. The Salem witch trials were a result of the lack of expression of individuality and the factRead MoreCorrupt Government Lies In 1984 And The Crucible1496 Words   |  6 PagesAll governments lie. It is the duty of the individual to uncover the truth. George Orwell and Arthur Miller warn the readers of the dangers when a corrupt government lies to their citizens to preserve their power in their texts, 1984 and The Crucible. 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In The Crucible, almost allRead MoreThe Crucible - Belonging Essay1644 Words   |  7 PagesThey struggle with their identity as they make the choice whether to reject the individuality and belong to a community or group. When individuals seek to belong and rigidly follow society’s norms and practices, they must adhere to the strict rules of their society. In doing do, the desire to belong comes into conflict with the need to be an individual. These ideas are powerfully evident in Arthur Miller’s play â€Å"The Crucible†, â€Å"Catcher in the Rye† by J.D Salinger and the Gurinder Chadha film â€Å"Bend itRead More The Problems of Individuallity and Conformity Within a Society1688 Words   |  7 Pagespersecution and express their thoughts and opinions. This founding principle led American society to pull away from conformity and pushes for individuality. Many family TV shows and several media outlets propagate individuality as a source of pride and evi dence of personal growth. In the American society, children are taught at a young age that individuality creates personality. However, as an individual grows, they are forced to choice sides on issues, thus placing them in a position where they mustRead MoreThe Scarlet Letter, The Crucible, And King s Letter From Birmingham Jail1733 Words   |  7 PagesMiller’s The Crucible, and King’s â€Å"Letter From Birmingham Jail† Humans have a natural tendency to conform to each other; they strive to fit in with their community and to blend in with the crowd, undoubtedly because modern society seems to have put everyone on a leash. Its harsh judgment and constant pressure forces everyone to follow each other around like sheep — compliant — staying in line in fear of the repercussions. Likewise, in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Crucible by Arthur