In the history of the theatre, tragedies have always existed as a window to human nature. They depict man at his best, ready to sacrifice everything, even his life for the cause. The different types of tragedy include Sophocles's Greek tragedy, Shakespearean romantic tragedy, and modern tragedy. Each tragedy has its own specific guidelines. In some cases, an article or essay is written to list these guidelines. For example, Aristotle wrote The Poetics, an article that outlines Aristotelian Literary Theory, and the specific guidelines for a Greek tragedy. Another such case is Tragedy and the Modern Man, by Arthur Miller. In the essay, Miller lists the qualities and requirements for a play to be modern tragedy. One such is a play, written by Miller and based on the Salem Witch Trials, The Crucible by name.
[...] After accepting the monstrous contradiction occurs. The judge of the case, who has sworn to find and uphold justice says, accept no depositions” (82). Danforth is preventing justice from being dispensed. And no one says a word. No one but Proctor. Throughout the hypocrisy, Proctor stands out, like a beacon, by trying to find authenticity and integrity. When cornered by Abigail, Proctor tells her to no Abby. That [his affair] is done with” (21). When Abby continues to press him, John says, it [his affair] out of mind” (21). [...]
[...] It also shows that John is looking within himself, and as Adam says he cannot “justify a proud sacrifice or a false heroism” (72). When Proctor refuses to sign a confession, he says, see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs” (133). John was then sentenced to die by hanging. Adam articulates that this was the only way for John to gain his integrity. [...]
[...] Like good sheep, all present decide, is agreed-we will abide by your judgment” without considering the repercussions Hale's decision might have. The townsfolk also tell the leaders all of the information in a matter, without regards to the consequences. Giles Corey goes to Hale and asks, “What signifies the readin' of strange books?” (37). When told to elaborate, Giles instantly does, without any thought, and says have waked at night many a time and found her [Martha] in a corner, readin' of a book” (37). [...]
[...] Another motif in The Crucible is moral absolutism, and its dangerous results. There is so much moral absolutism in Salem that it is like a thick, black, oily smoke, which poisons the city. When Mary is talking about the trials, she is one hundred percent certain that G-d's work we (56). This began, the idea of G-d's work, when Hale first appears. He comes in with heavy books, and says, “they are weighted with authority” (34). Hale obviously believes that he is correct, the reason being his knowledge and books. [...]
[...] “there be no unnatural cause here” It is a direct contradiction to the emotional display on the previous page. Parris continues on this course by saying, directly home and speak nothing of unnatural causes” This time; however, Parris is thinking about his image, not his daughter. The hypocrisy in Salem is so thickly embedded in the way of life; even the youth are gargantuan hypocrites. Abigail Williams, Parris's niece, claims, would never hurt Betty” but she then “smashes her across the face” (18). [...]
APA Style reference
For your bibliographyOnline reading
with our online readerContent validated
by our reading committee
