Revenge In The Cruible Essay Research Paper

The Effects of Revenge

The Crucible makes the reader suspicious, confused and angry. Revenge, the key source to this confusing suspicion, develops through the main characters: Abigail Williams accuses Elizabeth Proctor and Mary Warren of witchery due to jealousy, Giles Corey gets pressed for his land out of covetousness, and Mr. Parris believes only those who agree with his greedy ways.

Having “known” John Proctor it becomes evident that Abigail, a 17-year-old orphan, is extremely jealous of John’s wife, Elizabeth. Abigail proceeds to accuse Elizabeth of witchery simply to seek revenge for her jealousy. Revealing her insecurities, Abigail harshly whispers, “Never in this world! I know you, John- you are at this moment singing secret hallelujahs that your wife will hang!” (Miller, 143), Abigail is too young and na ve to realize the pettiness of the relationship she desires with John.

While accusing the locals of witchery, her accusations begin to catch up with her, and Abigail will not be outdone. Craven, Mary Warren reveals the horrid truth of pretense and lies which will jeopardize her life! “I cannot lie no more. I am with God, I am with God,” (Miller, 94), her testimony is not so openly accepted by the inexorable Judge Danforth or the ingenuous locals. Abigail refuses to lose the pretense of witchcraft in her mind, or the love of the anathema she has placed on most of the town. She will spend the remainder of her focus in the court seeking revenge on Mary Warren’s betrayal.

Giles Corey is the town’s oldest asset. Not only is he old and wise but he also is the proud owner of a large bit of land. While the greed of the town begins to build, all that land starts looking more and more valuable. Thomas Putnam will not let it remain in the pride of Giles for very long: “If Jacobs hangs for a witch he forfeit up his property-that’s law! And there is none but Putnam with the coin to buy so great a piece. This man is killing his neighbors for their land,” (Miller, 89). Giles will be accused for the same reason and his knowledge of that jealous intention will assist him in his perseverance to be pressed to death in order to prevent Putnam getting revenge on his accusation and to prevent his land from leaving the family name.

Mr. Parris never seems quite satisfied unless he is in some way benefiting from the situation: ” What Parris knows and withholds during the play’s first scenes might have mitigated charges and had an ameliorating effect had he come forward sooner,” (Martine, 53). Parris reveals the vital information that does not effect him. If people attempt to remove his benefit, he believes them to be witched.

It takes a great number of deaths and a lot of wasted land for Mr. Parris to realize he is losing his friends and neighbors around him. As the end of the play nears, John Proctor will make a great decision to give his name. When alas he signs his name to Danforth, Mr. Parris becomes overjoyed to see John will live: “Praise be the Lord!” (Miller,131). Afterwards, however, John ripped the paper. Mr. Parris only changed in the end after the realization of his surroundings: “If he seems somehow changed in the play’ final act, the change is cosmetic, for all that has happened is that his fear-in the play’s final scene, a fear of reprisal-has risen to the surface,” (Martine, 53). Parris remains greedy with a change that represents nothing more than his rude awakening to the lack in the community.

Revenge was sought out and achieved through Marry Warren, Elizabeth, Giles, and Mr. Parris. Abigail achieves revenge on Elizabeth and then to Marry Warren. Giles makes his strong and stubborn point. Mr. Parris makes his cosmetic change in the end so he will have people to agree or disagree with him. Revenge successfully meets its conclusion through the deaths of Giles Corey, George Jacobs, and John Proctor.