Crucible Essay 1

Andy Medina

AP English

Mr. George

Crucible Essay 1

In the story, The Crucible, there are atrocious acts committed.  There are many characters to which blame can fall upon in for these acts.  Almost every character carries some blame for the eventual hangings that took place in Salem; some more that others.  The person that is most to blame for these happenings is Tituba.  She is the first to “confess” to being a witch, and change her story.  She is the first to resort to blaming others.  She is the model for everyone to get out of trouble.  She is the one who is most at fault.  She does these things just tom save herself.  

As stated before Tituba changes her claim.  Abigail claims that Tituba forced her into dancing in the forest and drinking blood, “Abigail: She makes me drink blood” (Miller 43).  Tituba is being accused by Abigail and others.  They say she “Hale: Woman, have you enlisted these children for the Devil?” (43).  She defends herself vehemently, “Tituba: No, no, sir, I don’t truck with no Devil!” (43). This is the first stance she takes.  As the argument continues and death is threatened upon her, she changes her stance.  “Tituba: terrified, falls to her knees: No, no don’t hang Tituba! I tell him I don’t desire to work for him, sir” (44).  This is a key change in her story.  It becomes evident that later in the text that those who “confess” that they worked with the devil go free.  It is because of Tituba that people, like Abigail, learn how to save themselves by lying.  Tituba not only lies to save herself, but she also incriminates the names of others.  It is a huge part in the demise of the men and women who were hung.  They stayed true to their names, unlike those who lied, and it all began with Tituba.

Tituba’s lies continue when she begins to incriminate other woman:

“Tituba in a fury: He say Mr. Parris must be kill! Mr. Parris no goodly man, Mr. Parris mean man and no gentle man, and he bid me rise out of my bed and cut your throat! They gasp But I tell him ‘No! I don’t hate that man. I don’t want kill that man.’ But he say, ‘You work for me, Tituba, and I make you free! I give you pretty dress to wear, and put you way high up in the air, and you gone fly back to Barbados!’ And I say, ‘you lie, Devil, you lie!’ And then he come one stormy night to me, and he say, ‘Look! I have white people belong to me.’ And I look - and there was Goody Good” (47).

At the end of this long speech, Tituba says that Sarah Good works for the devil.  This is the first time we see a woman shift blame to another to take blame away from them.  Tituba is the model for those who are willing to lie to save themselves, especially Abigail.  She may be doing this with only the intention of saving herself, but it has a much more severe consequence.  Her actions led to much more than anyone could have expected, and many would not put the blame on Tituba, but if you look deeper than just the surface of the book, Tituba takes more and more of the blame.

Many would say Abigail is the one most to blame.  Abigail was hell-bent in her search for revenge.  She would do anything to try and get Elizabeth Proctor out of the picture.  She excuses her of being a witch so she can have John Proctor all to herself, but the only reason her plan had any success is because of Tituba.  It is because of Tituba changing her story that Abigail sees the opportunity to save herself from incrimination.  She continues to lie and protects herself by accusing many other women of being women, leading up to the time where she feels it is right to strike.  Her plan works almost perfectly.  She does ruin the lives of the Proctors, but in the opposite way that she intended.  She gets rid of John rather that Elizabeth.  None of this could have been possible without Tituba.  She is the one who is most to blame.  She is not fully to blame because of course Abigail plays a major role in the evilness and corruption in this story, but Tituba is the most to blame.

Tituba is the perfect model for those who lie to save themselves.  She may not think or intend on causing any huge consequences, but she caused much more pain and suffering than anyone could have imagined.  It is because of her the people in Salem began to lie.  It is because of her the people in Salem began to accuse one another.  It is because of her Abigail learned that she could lie and accuse others.  She was the bad influence in the book, no matter what her intentions were.  She is one of the most influential characters in this story, even though many may overlook her.  She is the most to blame for the hangings in Salem.  No one else should be given as much blame as she should.  She is the example of how little lies change the lives of many, and how evil can grow from those lies.

Crucible HW page 145

“Danforth: You misunderstand, sir; I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime.  It is not just” (128).

• This is really horrible to hear.  How can someone, even after they know a person is innocent, hang them?  It is inhumane.  Danforth understands that he has been deceived, but will not let the others go because it would not be fair to the others who have already been hanged.  It is true.  It is not fair, however it is the right thing to do!  He may think it is unjust, but he is only protecting his name.  If he frees the others, his name will be hurt.  It is unfair to those who are being hung.  The truth is out and they still have to suffer.
  

Why does Danforth not free those after the truth has come out? 

“Proctor: I speak my own sins; I cannot judge another. Crying out, with hatred:  I have no tongue for it.” (141).

• Through the hard times and through all the adversity, Proctor will not give up others.  He stays true to himself by tearing up his confession.  He gives his life to keep his name.  They say it is due to pride or vanity, it is not price.  It is being honest.  He will not bring himself down.  He will be honest, no matter what the cost.  He is one of the characters that stay true to himself, and does not give in to the confessions.  He is a good man.  He loved those around him, and stayed trued to himself.
  

Who is to blame for Proctor’s death?

Crucible HW page 127

“Proctor Mary, tell the Governor what they-

Mary Warren: Don’t touch me - don’t touch me!

Proctor: Mary!

Mary Warren, pointing at Proctor: You’re the Devil’s man!” (118).

• This quote is another example of how people are lying in Salem to save themselves.  Mary changes her story to save herself because she knows she cannot change Danforth’s mind.  Abigail and the other girls had already persuaded him, and the only way that she thought to save herself was to confess to being under the Devil’s control and incriminate Proctor.  It was obvious that somehow Mary would falter.  Every time she was asked a question she would respond in a timid manner, or break out in tears.  It was only a matter of time before she broke.  It is too bad for Proctor because it is evident, through his motto on page 95, that he will not “confess” anything.  He will stay true to himself, and sadly pay a horrible price for it.

Will Proctor be hung?  If he is, who can we truly blame for the eventual hanging of Proctor, if he is hung?  

“Proctor:  A fire, a fire is burning!  I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts this be fraud-God damns our kind especially, and we will burn, we will burn together!” (120) 

• Proctor shows his emotions through his fiery statement.  He says what is obvious, but no one seems to realize in Salem.  God is no longer controlling the town, the people are.  Vengeance is the true root of the evil in this town, not the Devil.  Proctor is so angry and agitated by what has taken place that he explodes and tries to make a final attempt to show Danforth what is happening.  He says that eventually Danforth will realize what is happening is not the work of the Devil, but all a fraud.  Once Danforth comes to this realization it will be too late.  People will have already been hung and it will be too late to save those who remain in the jails.  

When Danforth realizes his mistake, what remorse will he feel?

Crucible HW page 113

“Proctor: My wife, my dear good wife, took this girl soon after, sir, and put her out on the highroad.  And being what she is, a lump of vanity, sir- Excellency, forgive me, forgive me.  She thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave!  And well she might, for I thought of her softly.  God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat.  But it is a whore’s vengeance, and you must see it; I set myself entirely in your hands.  I know you must see it now.” (110)

• This is one of the most important parts of the book this far along in the story.  It is very powerful, and will have a great affect on the outcome of Elizabeth, and possibly on the others accused by the young group of girls.  Proctor is honest, like he always has been throughout the story, and has revealed a major flaw to the court.  This flaw will be seen as a horrible act, but Proctor came out and admitted it himself.  Having admitted it himself Danforth should realize that there is a lie being told by Abigail and the other girls.  Unfortunately, I do not have much hope for anyone because the deceitfulness of Abigail and the other girls, along with the love Elizabeth has for John.  She will protect him which will lead to her downfall.
  

How will this section play into the fate of the women accused?  Will it help them, do nothing, or help in there demise?

“Danforth: Good then.  And if she tell me, child, it were for harlotry, may God spread His mercy on you!” (112)

• It would be very easy to look over this quote and its significance to the story, but it shows us more of the characterization of Danforth.  He is a very judgmental, even is he says he isn’t.  He goes from hearing the accusations of the girls and believing them to hearing the words of Proctor and believing them.  We see this as a positive change, but it really is no change at all.  He is still easily convinced, and almost confused with this whole situation.  He really has not changed much in his short section of being involved in the book, even though he might be one of the most crucial characters that will decide the fate of the women.  The fact that he has no changed is bad for the women.  He will most likely stick to whoever confesses will be set free and those who “lie” will hang.  
  

Will Danforth's ideas ever change?  Will he free Elizabeth after she fails his “test”?

Crucible HW page 98

“Hale:  Excellency, he claims hard evidence for his wife’s defense.  I think that in all justice you must-” (86)

• In this quotation Hale shows a great change in himself.  Prior to this statement Hale always seemed to follow the evidence.  He did not seem to believe in the fact that there may not be any witches in Salem.  We saw the beginning of change in Hale when he said, “Charity, Proctor, charity.  What I have heard in her favor, I will not fear to testify in court.” (78).  He shows us that he is moving away from his strictness of finding witches towards looking for evidence and having it be heard.  This is good for those accused, but with the new judges it may be difficult to overcome the accusations.
  

What sparked the change in Hale?  Could seeing how Proctor reacted when his wife was taken away change him?

“Danforth: Will you drop this charge?

Proctor: I-I think I cannot.

Danforth: Then your purpose is somewhat larger.

Parris: He’s come to overthrow this court, Your Honor!

Danforth: I judge you not, sir.  I am ready to hear your evidence.” (92)

• In this interaction between the characters we see and learn many things about the characters.  Danforth tell Proctor that his wife says that she has become pregnant and that she may return home for a year.  I believe he said this to see what type of a response he will receive from Proctor.  This response determines how he will be seen by Danforth.  If Proctor dropped the charges brought about, Danforth would have seen him as a man looking out for his own interests, but since he would still fight to help his friends, Danforth wishes to hear the evidence to hear what their argument is and how it will affect the trials of the women accused.  We see Proctor stays loyal to his friends and that his true purpose is not only to protect his wife, but to stop the false accusations being brought about by the people of Salem.

Is Elizabeth really pregnant, or was it a ploy to figure out who Proctor really is? Will Danforth hear the evidence and believe the men, or will he just do this to please them?

Crucible HW page 83

“Hale: 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.” (71)

• This quote and many others in this selection help to show Hale’s feelings towards witches.  He strongly believes in the existence of witches in Salem, and is investigating what is happening in the town.  He seems almost naïve in his investigation.  He looks for minute details.  He does not look into the actions, but only sees them for what they are.  He doesn’t look for what went behind making those decisions, and he also seems easily persuaded.  He says that he cannot judge anyone, but I think that he does, and it won’t help those that he judges.

How will Hale’s beliefs play in the final destination of the women accused?

“Proctor: If she is innocent!  Why do you ever wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail?  Is the accuser always holy now?  Were they born this morning as clean as God’s fingers?  I’ll tell you what’s walking in Salem - vengeance is walking in 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!  This warrant’s vengeance!  I’ll not give my wife to vengeance!” (77)

• In this quote we see the passion that Proctor truly feels for his wife.  Throughout the first portion of the text we do not see that passion he feels for his wife in such a  manner as this.  This is the second straight night that what I feel has been expressed!  How is it possible that no others in the town are expressing their feeling?  It is obvious that the people of the court are power hungry and accusing those who have wronged them in the past.  Finally someone has voiced this out loud!  If more of these situations take place the book would end in a better manner, but with prior knowledge of this time period one can realize not many, if any, will stand up and voice their feelings like this.
  

Why does it seem that the Proctors are the only ones who are thinking rationally?  If and when will others think that way?

Crucible HW page 67

“Elizabeth: It is her dearest hope, John, I know it.  There be a thousand names; why does she call mine?  There be a certain danger in calling such a name-I am no Goody Good that sleeps in ditches, nor Osburn, drunk and half-witted.  She’d dare not call out such a farmer’s wife, but there be a monstrous profit in it.  She thinks to take my place, John.” (61)

• Finally!  Someone who can see through the web of lies that Abigail has been weaving.  Everyone else involved does not seem to be able to see her true intentions.  Elizabeth is the first character that can see through their lies.  She is concerned because of the fact that the court will hang those who do not confess.  She feels as if she could be hanged because Abigail will continuously go after her until she is satisfied.  
  

What will be the final outcome for Elizabeth?  Will she be called a witch or get away safely?  

“Proctor: I like it not that Mr. Parris should not lay his hand upon my baby.  I see no light of God in that man.  I’ll not conceal it.” (65)

• Through this quote we see the ongoing effect of the bad relations between the townspeople.  They all hold feelings of resentment towards others.  They do not trust anyone but themselves.  They go around accusing each other of being witches just to try and get rid of those they do not like.  This town has many people, who are out to get another, and we see this with the 39 woman who have been jailed, and most likely the countless number of others accused.  39 women!  How can there be so much suspicion and hatred in a town?  I do not understand the people, and this can only end in a bad way.  Either the woman will lie to save themselves, or be truthful and be hung.  
  

How will the bad relations between the townspeople play out throughout the rest of the book?  How many more women will be accused?