In contrast to the other pieces of
more analytical literature we have been discussing, Arthur Miller’s “The
Crucible” is a fictional play that focuses on a fabricated witch-hunt in the
late 17th century. This witch-hunt sparks as a result of a group of
teenage girls being caught in the woods practicing witchcraft in which
associates them with the devil. In the first two acts the idea of confession is
extremely prevalent. After denying her involvement in the woods, Abigail later
confesses to being involved with the Devil and then accuses others of doing so
as well. While Abigail preserves herself by confessing, those who do not wish
to confess find themselves in the position of being convicted and sent to the
gallows.
An
important factor in how this witch-hunt quickly picks up is Abigail’s trickery
as a catalyst to endanger other members of the community, in particular,
Proctor’s wife Elizabeth. Abigail uses this to her advantage, as she knows that
she can put individuals like Elizabeth in the position of being forced to
confess to a crime she did not commit. Through the readings we have seen the
idea of false confession to escape or temporarily suspend the torture. The most
logical step for the characters to take in this situation is to admit they were
involved with black magic, and therefore be spared although it would tarnish
their reputation. The reader can see that going against Abigail and her pack of
teenagers is unproductive and will prove fatal.
I really liked your idea of confession as a way of preservation through the character of Abigail. Abigail puts herself in a position of power over her peers, first by threatening Betty and the other girls about keeping their escapade in the forest a secret, and then secondly, when she uses her power of "knowledge" to put down Elizabeth into a position that will force her to choose between the reputation of "witch" and death.
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