The Role of Vengeance in Arthur Millers The Crucible Essay

Throughout the endurance of Arthur Millers The Crucible, vengeance plays a prominent role in the actions and fates of various characters. In many ways, vengeance fuels the need for retaliation. Disputes among neighbors has bred hatred and then witch trials brought out the vindictiveness of Salems population. This leads to the deaths of many citizens in Salem by false accusations to the court. Citizens of Salem were utilizing the court system as a means of extermination for people who had interests or beliefs, that were contradictory to their own. As Miller states himself, This predilection of minding other peoples business was time-honored among the people of Salem, and it undoubtedly created many suspicions which were to feed the†¦show more content†¦Cheever comes to arrest her for witchery, and with the evidence says, I find here a poppet Goody Proctor keeps. And in the belly of the poppet a needles stuck (Miller 1282). Elizabeth then argues that she was given the poppet b y Mary Warren earlier that day, and then retrieves her to confirm her story. In the end, Elizabeth eventually surrenders herself to Cheever and allows him to take her for questioning. Elizabeth is imprisoned and then ultimately sentenced to death at the gallows, thus completing Abigails vow for retaliation. Another example of vengeance dictating a characters actions would be the dispute between Mrs. Putnam and Rebecca Nurse. In a scene at Parriss house, Mrs. Putnam asks Rebecca to take a look at her daughter, Ruth, who is also ill. Rebecca dismisses her anxiety and explains that she is just going through a silly season and will tire of it and wake up. Rebeccas optimistic interpretation of Ruths condition is not favorably received by Mrs. Putnam. She comments that, You think it Gods work you should never lose a child, nor grandchild either, and I bury all but one (Miller 1249). Shortly after, one might conclude Mrs. Putnam suspects Rebecca of murder, when she asks Hale, Is it a natur al work to lose seven children before they live a day (Miller 1256). Since every child Rebecca delivered that belonged to Goody Putnam died, she believes that Rebecca is using her spirit to killShow MoreRelatedEssay about Human Flaws in Arthur Millers The Crucible923 Words   |  4 PagesHuman Flaws in Arthur Millers The Crucible Many of the characters in Arthur Millers The Crucible have specific human flaws that cause the tragedy of the Salem Witch Trials. The Salem villagers exhibit failings, including greed, vengeance, and fear, which eventually lead to the downfall of their town. Many villagers, especially Abigail Williams, take advantage of the opportunity to seek vengeance on others through the trials. 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