The Crucible 49-67

Stephen Simmons
AP English 11/Mr. George
12/7/09
The Crucible

"Goody Osburn-will hang!"(56).

Are they crazy? This attempt to hunt out all of the witches is a genocide of the innocent, suspected people. Failing to recite the commandments is no sign of witchcraft, but that of someone who has a hard time memorizing things. There are few people who can recite the commandments without extensive studying, especially under pressure. The court, let alone the church does not have the right execute a member of society because she could not recite the commandments, I know I can't. The authority of the court and church seems to be too extensive for society. Perhaps, the finger is being pointed at the wrong people. Instead of accusing women of witchcraft because they do not always speak the dialect of their religion, perhaps, those who are responsible for preaching religion and maintaining peace in society should be the accused. There is clearly no balance or mercy in society. It is like when you pick up a rotten banana. Instead of putting it to good use and making banana bread, you simply throw it away because it wasn't good enough for you, when in reality, you were not good enough to it.

"I like it not that Mr. Parris should lay his hand upon my baby. I see no light of God in that man. I'll not conceal it"(65).

Proctor clearly has an issue with authority in the court and church. However, he does not dislike religion, just the one who preaches it. "I have trouble enough without I come five mile to hear him preach only hellfire and bloody damnation"(28), Proctor said. There are obviously some negative feelings brewing between these two characters, Parris and Proctor, which could evolve into something greater. Considering the time period and the absurd witch hunt, as well as the vendettas held by each character against one another, it will be interesting to see who will emerge victorious, Parris or Proctor. In such a small society, there is no space for hate between citizens, just common agreement, as well as the determination to exterminate those who are "witches."