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Arthur Miller portrays power in two drastically different ways: on the one hand, he depicts the power of the system overwhelming the individual by the trials themselves. Even though those convicted are clearly (from our point of view) innocent, the power of superstition and self-protection that plagues the majority greatly overwhelms the truth and justice of the minority. When it comes to the appearance of power, then, the majority rule triumphs.

On the other hand, there are ways in which an individual can overcome the power of the majority, if not by action, than by attitude. The prime example here is Giles Cory. Even though he is pressed to death by stones, he does not cave to his executioners' will. Cory is perfectly aware of the power of individual strength, so he stolidly sets his will to hold out to the end and goes down fighting. In this way, he exercises an individual power that rings even more strongly than that of the majority.

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Q: How does Arthur Miller portray power in The Crucible?
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What is the social repression in the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller by Arthur Miller?

1. I know that social repression is the unjust authority/power used in a cruel way, but how was that shown in the play? 2. How did social repression bring out the bad characteristics of the characters in the play the Crucible?


What character in The Crucible by Arthur Miller experiences a character arc?

Abigail Williams is the protagonist of THE CRUCIBLE. She is the one who gets the ball rolling about the whole witchcraft and witch hunting. She is the person who pushes the story forward to a climax and even a resolution.


How are the women in The Crucible by Arthur Miller shown to be empowered?

Women are of a lower social rank in Puritan society than men. Only men can lead in church, and the church rules the society. This therefore makes the women quite powerless. The Salem witch trials give women, especially the young and unmarried Abigail Williams, a power over the important and influential members of society. By using the witchcraft trials, Abigail is able to accuse innocent citizens and receive the attention and power that she previously lacked.


What metaphor was used in The Crucible?

There are several metaphors used in "The Crucible." The most recognized metaphor is "absolute power, corrupts absolutely." It is a foreshadowing of the events that transpire in the story.


What is The Crucible of conflict in the middle east?

The crucible of conflict in the middle east is based on ethnic differences. Groups strongly believe that their religion and culture is native to the area and gives them power over the land.

Related questions

What is the social repression in the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller by Arthur Miller?

1. I know that social repression is the unjust authority/power used in a cruel way, but how was that shown in the play? 2. How did social repression bring out the bad characteristics of the characters in the play the Crucible?


What is the poem for the book 'the crucible'by arthur miller?

Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible" does not contain a poem. It is a dramatization of the Salem witch trials and focuses on themes of hysteria, power, and morality in a Puritan society. The play is structured as a play script rather than a collection of poems.


How are blacklisting and the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller related?

Arthur Miller wrote "The Crucible" an an analogy, to demonstrate the similarities between blacklisting (he was blacklisted during the Red Scare) and the abuses of the Salem Witch trials of 1692. Themes similar to both the hunt for Communists and the hunt for witches: - guilt by association - the presumption of guilt rather than innocence - the conflicting agendas of public officials - the hidden motivations of witnesses - the obsession of a society with an unproven, unseen threat - the power of a government used unfairly against individuals


What are Arthur Millers feelings about the political implications of the play?

Arthur Miller used "The Crucible" to critique the political climate of the 1950s McCarthy era, drawing parallels between the Salem witch trials and the Red Scare. He sought to highlight the dangers of mass hysteria and the consequences of scapegoating individuals for political gain. Miller's stance was one of warning against the abuse of power and the erosion of civil liberties in the pursuit of ideological purity.


How does miller connect the Salem witch hunt with poetry?

Miller connects the Salem witch hunt with poetry in his play "The Crucible" by using the historical events to explore themes of hysteria, fear, and the power of language. Through the characters' interactions and the use of poetic language, Miller highlights the way language can be twisted to manipulate truth and create chaos, reflecting the dangerous consequences of unchecked power and ignorance.


What character in The Crucible by Arthur Miller experiences a character arc?

Abigail Williams is the protagonist of THE CRUCIBLE. She is the one who gets the ball rolling about the whole witchcraft and witch hunting. She is the person who pushes the story forward to a climax and even a resolution.


What does the allusion to Pontius Pilate imply about the witchcraft proceedings in Salem?

In Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible,' John Proctor alludes to Pontius Pilate, because like him, Reverend Hale had refused to take a side. Pilate allowed Jesus' to be imprisoned based on Sanhedrin allegations he knew were not true. He also refused to intervene when he could have stopped the crucifixion, because he was the Governor of Judea and held the power to do so.


When did Arthur Power die?

Arthur Power died on 1960-01-28.


When was Arthur Power born?

Arthur Power was born on 1889-04-12.


How are the women in The Crucible by Arthur Miller shown to be empowered?

Women are of a lower social rank in Puritan society than men. Only men can lead in church, and the church rules the society. This therefore makes the women quite powerless. The Salem witch trials give women, especially the young and unmarried Abigail Williams, a power over the important and influential members of society. By using the witchcraft trials, Abigail is able to accuse innocent citizens and receive the attention and power that she previously lacked.


2 Do you see a parallel between the Salem witch trials of the 1700s and the McCarthy trials of the 1950s?

The message that Miller is aiming to get across to the audience is that there is a parallel between the Salem society in 1692 and the American society in the 1950s. McCarthy was an American politician who served as a Republican U.S. Senator. During the Cold War, the people in America feared that the USSR would spread communism in the U.S.A. McCarthy used his senator power to accuse people he did not like for being communist. At first he accused artists, mainly actors and writers. They lost their jobs and nobody bought their books or watched their movies. The brave ones who tried to stop him were as well accused. Soon McCarthy gained lots of power over the U.S.A. but he made a big mistake when he used this power to accuse generals from the army that had more power than him. In the Crucible, Arthur Miller presents the exact same thing. Abigail gains power which is increasing just like McCarthy did. Everyone trusts her so she beguines accusing innocent people she does not like for witchcraft. McCarthy used his senator power to accuse people he did not like. If you opposed the Salem witch trials you were accused of being a witch. If you opposed the McCarthy investigations you were accused of being a communist. Arthur Miller clearly presents the parallel between Salem and the U.S. in the 1950s, and proves the readers that irrationality gets us nowhere.


When was Arthur Power Palmer born?

Arthur Power Palmer was born on 1840-06-25.