The conflict in The Crucible does create opportunities for heroes and villains. For example, between the accusers and the accused, heroes and villains are created. Abigail Williams, the chief accuser becomes a villain by the end of the play, particularly because she abandons her commitment, having lied and manipulated the court, when she realizes that the prize she wanted out of the whole process is now unattainable.
That prize of course if John Proctor, who by virtue of his courageous death at the end of the play becomes a hero. Another hero who emerges as a martyr in the play is Rebecca Nurse, who is falsely accused by Ann Putnam, who is a bitter, jealous woman, angry at having lost so many of her babies to infant death.
Elizabeth Proctor emerges as a hero or martry as well, because of the sacrificial nature of her suffering. She has done nothing wrong, but becomes the main target of Abigail Williams who wants to get rid of her.
"Elizabeth, like [George Bernard] Shaw's St Joan [in his play of that name], has learnt through suffering that 'God's most precious gift is not rife at any price, but the life of spiritual freedom and moral integrity."
Giles Corey is heroic in his refusal to plead to the charges brought against him, he dies rather than admit or deny his involvement in witchcraft in order to protect his property for his family. Being accused is the same as being found guilty in this particular situation in Salem.
Reverend Hale comes into Salem believing that he is a hero who is capable of diagnosing and casting out witches, but he is humbled by the events in the town, becoming a symbol for the hypocritical nature of the accusations made in the name of God. Reverend Hale comes to realize that the witch trials are being used by the townspeople to exact revenge or pursue personal vendettas, they have nothing to do with the actual presence of witches, however, the presence of evil is real in the actions of those who use the events to punish their neighbors.
No comments:
Post a Comment