Arthur Miller illustrates how dominant characters with a higher and more important status in the church hierarchy can control the town; the audience is positioned to see how people use other people’s fear to reinforce puritan ideals. As God is the supreme, the clergy of Salem feel that because they represent him on earth, that th

ey have the power to do whatever is necessary. With god as their weapon of power they can also be seen as supreme even though they are mere mortals. When Hale arrives from Beverly he manipulates the town into believing that he can handle the situation of the devil.

As Governor he holds the power of taking away someone’s life but would prefer not to and gives the option of confession. Danforth is not caught up in all the madness and hysteria and keeps a clear and professional mind. He uses the court system in maintaining theocracy shows complete loyalty to his position and his cause. Danforth is representative of many judges who must stay open-minded and pay no attention to the fallacy, but only to the proof in times of such superstition.

“ …You will confess yourself or you will hang. Do you know who I am? I say you will hang if you do not open with me.”

“You will confess yourself or I will take you out and whip you to death Tituba.”

This comment juxtaposes the two men’s employment but also the two men in general. When Parris realises that Proctor does not fear him, he tries intimidation. Parris’s obsession with reputation and respect forces him to marginalize his rivalry and turn everyone against them. His behaviour characterizes any leaders who need power over everything to feel at ease. If he is the only one in control then his biggest fear cannot come true, that being losing his job and all the authority that comes with it.

Some topics in this essay:
Arthur Miller’s, Arthur Miller, Act Hale, Mary Warren, Harvard College”, Proctor Act, arthur miller’s, Act Danforth, arthur miller’s portrayal, miller’s play crucible, arthur miller’s play, confess yourself, miller’s portrayal, court system, dominant characters, miller’s play, play crucible,