Persecution In The Crucible

Words: 883
Pages: 4

Introduction “The Crucible”, a story by Arthur Miller, describes the occurrences in a meager suburb in Massachusetts where religion forms a significant part in the maintenance of law and order. The very aspects of justice that normal Christianity finds formidable find acceptability in this town (Miller, 1953). The event in the story gives the account of five girls practicing witchcraft and this causes a strange illness to the daughter of the area priest reverend Parris, Betty. The events that transpired involved his niece Abigail, Betty and their three friends Mercy, Mary and Ruth. The Priest does not want to admit possibilities of witchcraft in his house involving its occupants considering the hard work he had put to get his followers like …show more content…
The main intent of the person persecuting the other is to inflict pain accusing them on mere malice. Persecution has its origin in the bible during the olden days where there were frequent persecutions of those who were in the service of God (Chandler, 1736). The whole concept of the Crucible entails persecution where forceful accusations are common at the town of Salem. The situation is even worse due to their system where ruling was on the basis of religious ground. Miller (1953) first illustrates the element of persecution when he claims that the people of Salem were popular even in far cities for their wrongful accusations to people who had crossed their paths. A further illustration on persecution is when the Reverend cries that the people in the town dislike him for no reason and they would crucify him any chance they get (Miller 1953). Persecution is the story is so intense that young girls like Abigail can accuse other people for Satanism yet they are the real culprits. These girls do this to cover up their ritualistic actions in a bid to bring death to Elizabeth Proctor. Another characteristic of persecution is the need to cover up the sins of one person by condemning another to take the blame. Abigail causes persecution of so many people whom she accused and since the court had so much faith in her, they all face terminal