My first Essay for Mrs. Gaines!
Shirley 1
Steven D. Shirley
Mrs. Marily Gaines
English 381
SOURCES OF AUTHORITY PRESENT IN THE CRUCIBLE
Throughout Arthur Miller’s work of art, The Crucible, the author puts forth several sources of authority. Some of the more notable characters in his play use this as a tool for various purposes. The Reverend Parris uses his dominion over the congregation of the Church to increase not only the local parish, but also his own power. Judge Danforth exerts his power as a tool in the Judicial system of our government . The character who stands out the most is John Proctor. Unlike other characters in the story, Proctor was able to derive his authority from his self, in the place of an outward force. Miller’s usage of the powerful, and sometimes terrible, strength that authority has been given in our nation is a lesson that all should note.
Parris has the uncanny ability to take not only the trust that people have placed in him, but also to a great extent the authority that has been, what some may say, divinely gifted unto him as the minister of Salem. The Reverend routinely criticized others and did not hesitate to declare one hell-bound. Fear of losing souls, and social status, drove Minister Parris’ reactions to rash, and in some cases, illogical decisions. I find that this is the most flawed display of authority in The Crucible. What Parris failed to realize is that his dominion over the congregation is influenced by God, and not to himself or his mere title. Ultimately, Parris was unable to force
Shirley 2
himself upon the congregation, and was voted out as the Minister of Salem.
Another view of authority is that which is held by Judge Danforth. Danforth’s conviction for authority is a force that is so strong, it is even present today. His own ego and pride in himself, and the hopes for recognition among his colleagues is his main initiative in his action throughout this story. So in short, he entirely used his powers for self-gain. Unlike Parris who may have had a fear of God to fuel his radicalism, he uses his powers as a judiciary officer to bring forth “witches”, or just people who could have important information pertaining to the trials.
The most important form of authority is represented through John Proctor’s actions. Even immediately prior to his own death, of which he was well aware, he drew his authority from himself. He showed Danforth and millions of readers and playgoers, that a person has dominion over themselves. Proctor demonstrates his natural born rights as an individual in the face of a crippling theocracy under which so many before him had fallen. His denial of Danforth’s possession of the written confession demonstrates how asserting our dominion as human beings is the truest and purest authority we shall ever be gifted with.
In closing, Miller was quite apt at demonstrating the very corrupting and wild forces that authority pushes onto people. Each one of the afore mentioned characters managed to handle and use the various degrees of authority given to them for their own personal gain. Although this is not always proved as a negative effect, in most of the cases presented here, it only brought disgrace, destruction, and demise.
ONLY GRAMMATICAL CORRECTIONS PLEASE! Love yall ^__^
Steven D. Shirley
Mrs. Marily Gaines
English 381
SOURCES OF AUTHORITY PRESENT IN THE CRUCIBLE
Throughout Arthur Miller’s work of art, The Crucible, the author puts forth several sources of authority. Some of the more notable characters in his play use this as a tool for various purposes. The Reverend Parris uses his dominion over the congregation of the Church to increase not only the local parish, but also his own power. Judge Danforth exerts his power as a tool in the Judicial system of our government . The character who stands out the most is John Proctor. Unlike other characters in the story, Proctor was able to derive his authority from his self, in the place of an outward force. Miller’s usage of the powerful, and sometimes terrible, strength that authority has been given in our nation is a lesson that all should note.
Parris has the uncanny ability to take not only the trust that people have placed in him, but also to a great extent the authority that has been, what some may say, divinely gifted unto him as the minister of Salem. The Reverend routinely criticized others and did not hesitate to declare one hell-bound. Fear of losing souls, and social status, drove Minister Parris’ reactions to rash, and in some cases, illogical decisions. I find that this is the most flawed display of authority in The Crucible. What Parris failed to realize is that his dominion over the congregation is influenced by God, and not to himself or his mere title. Ultimately, Parris was unable to force
Shirley 2
himself upon the congregation, and was voted out as the Minister of Salem.
Another view of authority is that which is held by Judge Danforth. Danforth’s conviction for authority is a force that is so strong, it is even present today. His own ego and pride in himself, and the hopes for recognition among his colleagues is his main initiative in his action throughout this story. So in short, he entirely used his powers for self-gain. Unlike Parris who may have had a fear of God to fuel his radicalism, he uses his powers as a judiciary officer to bring forth “witches”, or just people who could have important information pertaining to the trials.
The most important form of authority is represented through John Proctor’s actions. Even immediately prior to his own death, of which he was well aware, he drew his authority from himself. He showed Danforth and millions of readers and playgoers, that a person has dominion over themselves. Proctor demonstrates his natural born rights as an individual in the face of a crippling theocracy under which so many before him had fallen. His denial of Danforth’s possession of the written confession demonstrates how asserting our dominion as human beings is the truest and purest authority we shall ever be gifted with.
In closing, Miller was quite apt at demonstrating the very corrupting and wild forces that authority pushes onto people. Each one of the afore mentioned characters managed to handle and use the various degrees of authority given to them for their own personal gain. Although this is not always proved as a negative effect, in most of the cases presented here, it only brought disgrace, destruction, and demise.
ONLY GRAMMATICAL CORRECTIONS PLEASE! Love yall ^__^