Arthur Schutzberg
Ms. Hughes
HN English 11 Period 2
23 December 2011
In life as in liberty, there is always the pursuit of happiness and success. The pursuers are willing to do anything to succeed and often do things that are immoral to preserve the title of success. They are willing to sever their ties with friends and family, and the memories they grew up with just so that they can be successful in life. In the play The Crucible, Arthur Miller tells the tale of the Puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts. The story begins when a group of girls are found in the woods dancing with the notorious black slave, Tituba..Some of the girls found in the woods, try to fabricate a story which will allow them to escape the harsh consequences of the truth. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller develops the theme that people can change their beliefs, bend their morals, and ultimately change who they are in order to ensure self-preservation. Through the character of Mary Warren, Miller demonstrates that one who is primarily motivated by her impulse to survive will be willing to change her identity. Ultimately, in order to avoid conflict and to survive the hysteria, Mary Warren shifts her beliefs and loyalties, which eventually destroys her community.
Throughout the play, Mary Warren pledges her allegiance to people in power and who threatened her. Mary is discussing with Abigail about what they should do to alleviate her conscience. Mary starts to discuss the results if they don’t tell the truth, “Abby, we’ve got to tell . Witchery’s a hanging error, a hangin like they done in Boston two year ago! We must tell the truth, Abby! You’ll only be whipped for dancing and other things!” (I.i. 144-147). Miller’s use of exclamation point illustrates the urgency that Mary has. She fears that the worst will happen if they don’t tell. She feels that the only way she can live is if she bows down to the court and the girls tell the truth. Mary bows down to power again when she is with John...