... own self interest. Parris views any defense brought up in court against the witchcraft charges as a personal attack, and acts out against those who deny the claims. Another significant difference between "The Crucible" and the actual Salem Witch Trials is the explanation of the relationship between Abigail Williams, Parris' niece, and local farmer John Proctor. In the play, Williams and Proctor's relationship is portrayed as a highly sexual, almost ... pedophilic situation due to the extremely exaggerated age difference depicted in the play. Interestingly, despite the pedophilic connota...

• Word Count: 1257
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... into massive chaos. An example of a collective hysteria is illustrated in Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, for a group of young girls in Salem caused its population to doubt the sanctity that once dominated, making people fear and believe in the dark witchcraft forces among them. As this took place, the town unconsciously divided itself into those who believed in witchcraft, and those who relentlessly condemned ... instructed her child Ruth to join with Tituba so they could conjure her perished son's and daughter's spirits. Most mothers in Salem were reprimanding their daughters for i...

• Word Count: 660
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Through the character of Rebecca Nurse, Arthur Miller is able to present the role of women in two ways; to be very powerful, yet despite the righteousness of a women, none can be exempt from the accusations. Rebecca Nurse, a figure of respectability and good sense, has a very big influence on John Proctor, the protagonist of the play. It is due to her that he is able to become such a hero of Salem, sacrificing his public reputation for his personal integrity. Rebecca's presence at Proctor's confession convinces him of what he must do. This shows Miller's representation of Rebecca as signifying...

• Word Count: 1154
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate