In this play we see themes that have been thoroughly discussed before in other readings. One of these themes is the economic motive to accuse others. On page 152, the Second Inquisitor asks Felipe Nunez, “With all of his relatives in jail who would inherit from Don Luis?” The Second Inquisitor is aware that Felipe Nunez imprisons Don Luis’ family because he hopes to inherit his master’s land. This resembles Putnam who accuses others for property with little proof.
We also see another case of psychological torture being more agonizing than physical torture. Dona Francisca refuses to give out names even after being physically tortured. It is not until she is stripped naked and presented to her son that she gives in. She says on page 156 to her son,“Don’t look at me, little one, don’t look at me.” The shame she feels before God and her son is far worse to her than physical suffering.
Unlike the other readings, a list of names is just as important as the confession. In the Crucible, those who confess are spared, but in “Heresy,” confessors are sentenced to death. However, after they confess the torture does not end. They will continue to be tortured until they tell the inquisitors other names of those who have practiced Judaism. Brother Agustin gives them a list of those who have admitted to being Jewish during confession in hopes of preserving his good name. Furthermore, Dona Francisca confesses to her faith, but the torture does not stop until she gives out the names.
I think this observation reflects the inconsistencies of torture, according to differences in culture. The basis for torture in all of our readings so far is that of both confession and power (namely monetary gain): usually, we see a victim tortured until they confess and convert to the regime's corrupt beliefs, or until they relinquish all rights to their name and property so that someone else might claim them. After their mission has been fulfilled, the torturers usually suspend their torture of the victim and leave them to whatever miserable life they have left. But in 'Heresy,' the punishment doesn't end there, and I believe this is so because of a vast cultural disparity which fuels racism and therefore torture for the sake of violence.
ReplyDeleteThose tortured in 'The Crucible', for example John Proctor, were given a second chance at 'life', albeit one with little hope of redemption; and as a white male tortured by white males, Proctor could expect an outcome of this sort, although he chose the death penalty instead. The Jews of 'Heresy,' however, were not given the choice of reform, and were instead tortured to death even after making a confession, because of the racism which perpetuated the Inquisition. They were not seen by their captors as equals, and so it was really the elimination of a so-called inferior race which motivated their actions. And this can also be said of the events at Abu Ghraib, where American soldiers were commanded to eliminate the enemy, and trained to see evil where perhaps there was none. These prisoners were not seen as victims of their own wrongdoing who could be reformed. They were seen as the face of evil, because their faces were swarthy - because they were un-American.
Angela-
ReplyDeleteI think your reflection on these reoccurring themes is very insightful. The economic motive to torture is one that seems to be a case found within most incidences of torture throughout history. It is hard to understand in that there seems to be a way to achieve the same goal without torture. But regardless, it continues to happen time and time again. In historical incidences like the Spanish Inquisition and the colonization of of North America, torture and extremely cruel and violent measures were used to make economic gain, just like the examples you provided from the Crucible and Heresy.
Your reflection on psychological torture also brings up a valid and interesting point. While it is hard to know for sure which would be worse (physical versus psychological torture) without going through these awful experiences oneself, your examples seem to support just how horrible psychological torture would be. Possibly even worse due to extremely mental aspect of it, possibly effecting ones thoughts and life forever. Very interesting connects you made throughout the readings from the class thus far.
I like how you connected it to the Crucible because of the similar motives for false accusation. I originally overlooked that. Also, your last paragraph sheds light on the topic of the torturer not stopping until the hear what they want. It brings out the idea of the tortured only being able to tell the truth so many times until they knowingly admit to something they didn't do just to end it. It shows that interrogators need to ensure that they do not have a guilty until proven innocent mindset.
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