Deena Shakir Essay Example for Free

Deena Shakir EssayRichard Watts Jr. describes the striking similarity between the Salem magnetise trials and the McCarthy Era as a struggle between the rights of freeman and the mass efforts to destroy them under the guise of defending decency. All good writing conveys a strong message for the reader to take away, and effectively apply to his everyday life.In the novel The Crucible, author Arthur Miller uses 17th Puritan society, and the Salem siren trials as a vehicle to make a strong political statement around the nature of conformity in an overly hysterical society, and the central struggle man faces to retain moral righteousness in the face of a cruel world. Written in the heart of the McCarthy Era, The Crucible makes sweeping statements about the nature of society during a crisis, and how people deal with the introduction of beliefs that differ from their traditional way of thought.Claiming the people of his society are just as bigoted as the Puritans, Miller desperat ely pleads with them to learn from their mistakes, and not persecute others based on the nature of their beliefs. Through the story of the Salem enamour trials, Miller epitomizes the fadeless conflict between an individual and society as a continuous struggle to retain peerlesss moral righteous, and not give in to illogical social demands.Through the actions of the court officials, the girls, and the Christ figures, Miller effectively points out the manner in which society persecutes those who refuse to conform in their ways of thinking, and the nature of the intriguing test individuals are forced to make in such a conflict. The society in Salem alike demands conformity from the court system, a lessen out of the closet where those who dare to be different are tried.At least on face, it appears that the court simply wants those people who challenge society to be brought to justice. However, during the Salem witch trials, the court officials, who ironically are the one group i n society who are single-handedly responsible for administering justice fairly, act simply out of self-interest, nervous strain only to appease the community, and gain fame. Relaying on nothing more than spectral evidence, Danforth and the other court officials condemn those who refuse to conform to societys beliefs.Under the guise of apparitional duty, Danforth strives solely to appease the community, and benefit his standing in society. He believes that a person is either with the court or he must be counted against it. When one does not conform to the norms of society and challenges it, he is condemned to die. For example, upon discovering that John Proctor does not come to church on Sundays, he automatically assumes that Proctor must be guilty, and must be hanged. He appears motivated solely by the desire to gain fame.For example, in the final act of the play right before the hanging, sublime drag out tries to convince Danforth to postpone the hanging. Danforth knows that t he village expects to see them die this morning and cannot postpone the event because postponement now speaks a floundering on my Danforths part. Danforths actions show that he not only acts out of self motivation and the desire to appease society, but also fails the to overcame his conflict with society.Reverend John Hale, on the other hand, also appointed to work with the court during the witch trials, makes his decisions based on his own morals instead of what society prefers. Hale, an expert on witch trials and a foreigner in Salem finds it difficult to draw a clear opinion on them that come accused before court. Being a minister of the Lord, Hale judges others based on clear evidence and does not dare to take a life without proof. His morals prevent him from just simply doing what go forth appeal to society.Even though he desires to be allied with the best minds in Europe- kings, philosophers, scientists, and ecclesiasts of all churches, he, unlike Danforth and the court o fficials, refuses to let his personal ambition come in the way of administering justice fairly. He even rejects his religious doctrine in the name of justice, claiming that life life is Gods most precious gift no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it. Unlike Danforth and his selfish motivation, Reverend Hale refuses to conform to what society dictates, clinging on to his own moral beliefs.