Self Preservation In The Crucible

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One’s actions are often prompted by both intrinsic and extrinsic catalysts, such as love, jealousy, self-preservation, and fear. These motivators, particularly the motive of self-preservation, can be found in The Crucible, a play by Arthur Miller. Miller demonstrates the theme of self-preservation through the character Mary Warren, John and Elizabeth Proctor’s servant who is questioned after she is caught dancing in the forest with Abigail and other girls from the village. Through Mary Warren’s desire for self-preservation, Miller reveals that when threatened, one will act selfishly despite potentially negative consequences. When Abigail and Mercy Lewis are left alone with Betty by the adults, they begin to discuss how they will conceal the …show more content…
If she were to tell the truth about the poppet in court, she would “charge murder on Abigail,” by revealing how she attempted to kill Elizabeth Proctor. In turn, Abigail would kill Mary Warren. Without Mary Warren’s confession, the town will continue to believe Abigail’s claims that the Devil is in Salem, allowing even more accusations to arise. In addition, Elizabeth Proctor, along with the thirty nine other innocent people accused, will be hanged or jailed. Despite these consequences, Mary Warren is more concerned with preserving her own safety than with telling the truth for the greater good of the town. Mary Warren’s actions reveal how one’s selfish efforts to protect themselves from harm or death can have much larger repercussions. However, this does not ensure one will act for the benefit of the whole but rather for their own safety, as Mary Warren’s refusal to confess will result in the deaths of innocent people and the continuation of mass

Self Preservation In The Crucible

purposes were required to put on a façade to continue their original intent, however malicious or self-serving. If they did not put on a positive front, severe consequences were the result, such as being placed in a pillory or branded for life. Out of reasons for self-preservation, many chose to deceive the general public of their motivations. This trait was highlighted within the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller, as well as the novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel…

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The Crucible - Self-Preservation Essay

Self-preservation and the downfall of Salem Self-preservation is the act of protecting one’s self. It is often correlated with pain and fear and it is regarded as a basic human instinct. People often use self-preservation to protect their image and reputation in society, thus potentially having to lie and hurt someone else’s status in the process. In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, many characters demonstrate self-preservation to avoid the consequences of their own actions. This results in prolonging…

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Mob Mentality In The Crucible

the way that people accused others to protect themselves. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller demonstrates that a society of hypocrisy is not reasonable in a global society. Arthur Miller proves this type of community is not plausible by explaining self-preservation is a motive for harming others, mob mentality can lead to a lack of justice, and ideologies can lead to conflict. To begin, Arthur Miller’s explanation of self-preservation…

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Student: The Crucible and Authoritative Figure Essay

Analyse how an idea is developed in a text (or texts) you have studied In the play, the Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, an idea that was developed is the idea of the perils of conformity. Miller develops this through the type of society he has chosen to set his play, a theocracy, situations mentioned and shown that hold significance which take place in closed in, tension filled scenes such as courtrooms, and the character Mary Warren, who helps signify the perils of conformity in people and…

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Deception In The Crucible

In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, the lack of truth propels the hysteria surrounding the Salem witch trials. The initial conflict arises when Abigail Williams makes accusations against the people of Salem, Massachusetts. However, the lies told by the accused incriminate them further. The consequences that the characters face as a result of their deception, attests to Miller’s belief that lies, regardless of the intention, do not warrant justification. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller suggests that choosing…

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Will Integrity Overcome Instinct Essay

standards. We are to be open, honest, and inclusive. Should we exercise integrity through decency and responsibility or practice self-preservation through freedom and instinct? The Crucible by Author Miller examines these traits and leaves the characters open to choose between what is right and sparing themselves. Personal integrity is more important than self preservation. This idea is revealed in the decisions made by John proctor, Giles Corey, and Rebecca Nurse. After being falsely accused of…

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Human Nature In The Crucible

The Crucible: A Study on the Primitiveness of Human Nature Mankind will never truly rise above its savage predispositions. The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, takes place in the colony of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. Rumors of witchcraft, originating from a small group of girls, cause the town to descend into madness and ultimately result in the punishment of hundreds of innocent lives. The play offers a commentary on human nature during times of great fear, in which a civilized society is reduced to…

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John Proctor Sacrifice

From one perspective, a crucible is a vessel in which metals or other substances are put in scorching heat to melt. In a more literary take, a crucible defined as a “severe test or trial.” As one explores the character’s situations and conflicts, it is clear that this meaning corresponds perfectly with the conflict of Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible. Many of the townspeople face horrendous charges of witchcraft with a very real potential death sentence hanging in the air like a black cloud. On…

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Essay about Sins and Ambitions

play The Crucible. Afraid of the severe penalties for secretly dancing in the forest and chanting spells, characters such as Tituba and Abigail Williams accuse others of witchcraft for their self-preservation. Capitalizing on this newly acquired power, Abby's self-preservation transforms into a strong desire to do harm unto others and quench her great lust for power. Moreover, other individuals such as Thomas Putnam endanger the lives of others simply to satisfy their insatiable greed and self-interest…

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Crucible Outline Essay

What is a crucible? (n)a container of metal or refractory material employed for heating substances to high temperatures. Prompts: the first choice below is the one we have been working on in class. You would have one paragraph on John Proctor's change, one on a second character's change, and one on a third character's change. A crucible is a trial or severe test. Explain why Arthur Miller’s play is aptly named. (e.g. how were 3 different characters tested, and what was the result in each case…

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