God's Authority Over Salem example essay topic

Authority's Role in The Crucible Authority played a crucial part in Arthur Miller's classic piece of American theater, The Crucible. Authority was one of Miller's major themes, and it was included in many relationships. For example, authority is displayed with Danforth's control over the court as Deputy Governor, and also with Abigail's leadership of the girls involved in witchcraft. However, most important was God's authority over Salem, and over the whole world. Everything that was done was done in hopes of pleasing God. This theme of authority was evident in various cases, including Elizabeth's affirmation that she lacked the authority to judge her husband, Reverend Hale and Mr. Danforth discussing God's praise and punishment of all people, as well as the fact that law was based on God's word.

God was known to have the final say over everything. It was only He whose opinions and decisions were truly important. Elizabeth is convinced that in order to save her husband's life she must get him to confess to involvement with witchcraft. While the couple speaks, John rants about the evilness of his deeds, all of which go against the Gospel. He begs his wife to agree with him, but she claims that she cannot". 'I am not your judge, I cannot be' " (138).

Proctor's response to her is", 'Then who will judge me? God in heaven, what is John Proctor, what is John Proctor?' " (138). This scene shows that the pair holds fast to the belief that God is the ultimate leader of the Christian people. An array of other instances show God's supreme authority.

Two such cases are Hale and Danforth mentioning and discussing the Lord's reasons for punishment and praise. Hale persuades Elizabeth to talk to her husband before he was to face the death penalty. During the course of the conversation Hale comments that " 'it may be that God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride' " (132). Perhaps it is because of that very statement that Elizabeth at last agrees to meet with John.

By the end of the couple's time together Proctor has decided to admit to associating with the devil. Upon hearing that announcement, an ecstatic Danforth rejoices", 'Praise be to God, man, praise be to God; you shall be blessed in Heaven for this' " (138). God held power over the soul, so His punishment or praise was believed to endure for all of eternity. The residents of Salem believed strongly that God was the ruler of their lives. They even incorporated religion into law, thus creating a theocracy. The Puritans did not allow for a separation of Church and State as exists in this country today.

Religion was the foundation of their strict society. As Danforth explains to Abby and the girls", 'This is a court of law. The law, based upon the Bible, and the Bible writ by Almighty God forbid the practice of witchcraft, and describe death as the penalty thereof' " (102). Lawmakers decided for local residents that God's word would set the standard for their lives, as well as their punishment. God was always honored with having ultimate authority. The theme of authority is brought up a number of times throughout the pages of The Crucible.

The single most influential example of authority being shown in Salem is God's position. He is seen as the utmost figure who bears the responsibility of overseeing and Che did 3 controlling any and everything. God still has a place in American life, however that place has evolved much since the era of the Puritans. His words now live more in the hearts of citizens, rather than in the government.

If this country operated in the same way as in the setting of The Crucible, it would come as no surprise that God would be as terribly feared, and appreciated, as He was then. Arthur Miller showed God's authority by having Elizabeth affirm that only God has the position to judge her husband, Rev. Hale and Mr. Danforth discussing God's praise and punishment, as well as the fact that the laws were based on God's word..