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The Crucible


            "So many gods, so many creeds; so many paths that wind and wind, while just the art of being kind is all the sad world needs." -Ella Wheeler Wilcox .
             While under the pressure of the government, author Arthur Miller, describes the corruption and false ideals of the Salem Massachusetts witch trials in his play The Crucible. Miller portrays the idea that the Puritan religion is heavily based upon the Ten Commandments. They govern the land with this religious belief. Miller also demonstrates the idea that theocracy, where the church runs the government, is a government that simply cannot work, due to the fact that the Puritans cannot resist breaking their own commandments. The Puritans of Salem contribute to the demise of early northeastern theocracy through their false dedications, personal honor, and lies.
             In any religion, dedication to a god is crucial. The Puritans of Salem are no different. Their inability to follow the Commandment "You shall have no other gods before me," leads to the fall of an "empire". In the play, Miller portrays the idea of witches making a compact with the devil. With that compact, it is seen that they worship the devil, putting God out of their lives. The corruption of society is vividly seen in the town of Salem. Although they believe that they are doing well, they provide a divergence towards their religious beliefs. Reverend Parris concerns himself with getting "golden candlesticks" and seems to hold money as the most important aspect of life. In addition to this, Judge Danforth is fraudulent in the eyes of the Puritans. His beliefs rest in the law. He holds the law as the highest priority which gives the impression that he does not follow the Puritan beliefs. He should not be the main influence on the lives and deaths of Salem citizens. Being that his life is in jeopardy, John Proctor leaves caution behind when he states, "I say- God is dead" (119).


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