Celine Farran

U.S. History and Government

October 20th, 2017

Section 3

DBQ Essay #1 - The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Should human beings be punished for doing something that is in our nature? The

Crucible by Arthur Miller was a story based on the Salem Witch Trials in 1692 and 1693. Many

accusations of practicing witchcraft, which was in hand working with the devil, were tossed

around the town of Salem in colonial Massachusetts in the late 1600s. Fear of being accused for

this crime caused a mass hysteria where everyone began to accuse innocent people so that there

would remain clear. During this time, the entire government system was built on religion and this

made things much more personal. Strict government and social order causes people to live in a

feared and negative environment.

The Puritans were strong believers in following Gods commands. When it came to

creating a new society, they wanted to construct one that had an ideal community that people

would aspire to become. We shall be as a City Upon a Hill, the eyes of all people are upon us;

so that if we shall [behave badly] and cause God to withdraw his help from us, we shall [invite]

the mouths of enemies to speak evil of the ways of God, and cause their prayers to be turned into

curses upon us. (Winthrop, A City Upon a Hill) Winthrop speaks to the settlers traveling to

New England and informs them about what must be done to live in harmony. He claims that the

only way to do so is to listen to Gods requests, in this case the Ten Commandments. This was a

lot of pressure to put people under. If they did not follow Gods words, they will endure curses.
This relates to how each character in The Crucible feared punishment after breaking any law. It

was not only looked down upon, but it was seen as an atrocious action. It caused many to feel at

fault that as a result lies were formed to keep them clean. There is a misty plot afoot so subtle

we should be criminal to cling to old respects and ancient friendships. I have seen too many

frightful proofs in court - the Devil is alive in Salem and we dare not quail to follow wherever

the accusing finger points! (Miller, p.68) Hale knows how this crime is something that can slip

under anyones nose and he wants everyone around him to understand that Hale is expressing to

the others that they must start believing the accuser without doubt because he has seen so much

proof towards witchcraft and at this point he is putting all his trust in those who accuse.

Religion being a very personal thing and when all these laws are based off of it, it makes

the crimes seem even more worse. Danforth, his eyes narrowing: Now, sir, what is your

purpose in so doing? Proctor: Why, I - I would free my wife, sir. Danforth: There lurks nowhere

in your heart, nor spirit, any desire to undermine this court? Proctor, with the faintest faltering:

Why, no, sir. (Miller, p.83) Every time John Proctor defends himself or makes a statement, he

constantly feels threatened against God by people of the court and church and this is expressed to

us by Danforths eyes narrowing before asking Proctor a question. It almost made it seem as if

everything the accused are doing is to overthrow Gods work. These accusations have been

difficult to go against since witchcraft was a practice that only those who are witnesses are the

evidence. The only way to know for sure is if they admit to it and allow God back into their

hearts. This created a lot of tension between understanding who is innocent and who is telling a

lie and caused Proctor to feel hesitant when answering to Danforth. Proctor: (...) Ill tell you

whats walking Salem---vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but

now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes
the law! The warrants vengeance! Ill not give my give my wife to vengeance! (Miller, p.73)

Proctor is asking Hale if he is really able to trust what people like Abigail or even Reverend

Parris. He is making Hale second guess if he is always able to rely on those who accuse others.

Abigail's accusations could really just be a way of getting back at Elizabeth or anyone else and

he would be unable to really see who is telling the truth unless there is hard proof. Hales job in

Salem was to find those who have been practicing witchcraft and who have been working with

the devil, but since there is so much want of vengeance that lives in the town, it has become

much harder for Hale to really find who is a witch or who is accused of being one by someone

seeking revenge.

Its important recognize that there is a balance needed in order to keep the community

under control because if humans are forcing themselves to be perfect and without sin, then it will

only cause the opposite effect than what is desired; social order. Modern day laws focus more on

serious matters such as a kidnapping or rape. Society has come to understand that humans are

bound to lie and something as natural as that should not be convicted. Lying is in our nature as

human beings, in the time when the Salem Witch Trials occurred, lying was seen as a terrible

crime in the eyes of the government which only provoked fear, and any time an innocent was

accused, they would be seen as a liar until they admit or in this case lie to live. Religion is a

belief, it shouldnt be mistaken for strict laws that everyone must follow or pay a considerable

price as punishment.

Works Cited Page

Winthrop, John City upon a Hill

Miller, Arthur. The Crucible, Penguin Classics, 1953.