The crucible antagonist. The Antagonist Character Analysis of The Crucible 2022-11-07

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In Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, the antagonist is a combination of external and internal forces that drive the action and create conflict for the protagonist, John Proctor.

The main external force acting as the antagonist is the Salem witch trials, which serve as a backdrop for the play and create a tense and fearful atmosphere in the town. The hysteria and fear surrounding the trials drive the characters to make hasty and irrational decisions, leading to the destruction of many lives. The girls who accuse others of being witches, including Abigail Williams, also serve as external antagonists, as their lies and manipulation fuel the fire of the trials.

However, the internal force that serves as the main antagonist for John Proctor is his own sense of righteousness and his struggle to maintain his integrity and dignity in the face of persecution. Proctor is faced with difficult choices and must decide whether to sacrifice his reputation and possibly his life by speaking out against the witch trials, or to remain silent and protect himself. This internal conflict drives the plot and ultimately leads to Proctor's tragic end.

Overall, The Crucible presents a complex and multifaceted antagonist, with both external and internal forces driving the conflict and shaping the actions of the characters. The play explores the destructive power of fear and manipulation, as well as the importance of maintaining one's integrity in the face of adversity.

The Crucible: Antagonist

the crucible antagonist

He begs Danforth to postpone the executions in order to secure confessions, hoping to avoid executing some of Salem's most highly regarded citizens. Herrick is the town marshal of Salem, and leads the effort to find and arrest those accused of witchcraft until he falls into despair and turns to Judge One of the two judges presiding over the court. Instead, her lies end up killing dozens of people, including the man she claims she loves. And that is all. Parris, who has lost everything to Abigail, reports that he has received death threats. The character is based on a real person of the same name, who was also pressed when he would not plead guilty to charges of witchcraft. The main A servant girl and part of Abigail's inner circle.

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Who Is The Antagonist In The Crucible

the crucible antagonist

This formulation suggests that he knows that rather than going down in history for signing a false confession against his neighbors, his name will be remembered for his refusal to compromise, even at the cost of his life. Ruth Putman is trying to talk too the spirits of her dead siblings too find out why they died , at the request of her mother. She distrusts her husband for his adultery, but eventually chooses to forgive him when he refuses to confess to false charges. He views the proceedings as an opportunity to cement his power and influence, eagerly convicting anyone brought before him. He mentions that Rebecca Nurse was also named, but admits that he doubts her a witch due to her extreme piousness, though he emphasizes that anything is possible.

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The Antagonist Character Analysis of The Crucible

the crucible antagonist

He remains firm in his conviction that the condemned should not be executed. This causes Abigail to express her feeling towards John Proctor and how she feels and takes it out on Elizabeth even though she did nothing wrong to her. Likewise she is a cunning person when it comes to Elizabeth Proctor. Danforth represents the evil of blind certainty in the play: he refuses to accept the truth because to do so would humiliate him. The girls, led by Abigail William, were simply sporting around in the woods. The people on whom the characters are based would have retained strong regional dialects from their home country.

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The Crucible: Judge Danforth

the crucible antagonist

Reverend Parris, minister of the Salem Church, who is always worried about his reputation and everything has to be about him. In this quote Abigail is inquiring whether John has thought about her or not because she wants to continue their relationship, which would be a sin, and breaking one of the 10 commandments of adultery. When challenged by Parris and Hathorne to 'pretend to be possessed', Mary is too afraid to comply. John knows their apparent possession and accusations of witchcraft are untrue, as Abigail told him as much when they were alone together in the first act, but is unsure of how to confess without revealing the affair. With all of the characters in The Crucible… Theme Of Greed In The Crucible Arthur Miller shows how greed can be both good and bad.

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The Crucible: Full Book Analysis

the crucible antagonist

Once certain people realized what was going on, however, they tried to bring this obstruction of justice out into the open, knowing full well that they might be brought into the matter themselves. And now you bid me tear the light out of my eyes? Parris, Abigail and Tituba closely over the girls' activities in the woods. Parris runs back into the bedroom and various villagers arrive: Thomas and his wife, Ann, respected local woman Reverend Hale arrives and begins his investigation. Act IV: Proctor rips up his confession. You loved me, John Proctor, and whatever sin it is, you love me yet! In order to keep her reputation in the town Abigail Williams leads the group of girls in court and accuses many townspeople of witchcraft. Deputy Governor The chief judge of the court.


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The Crucible Study Guide

the crucible antagonist

Human failings can lead to tragic consequences. Well, this was the question that was frequently asked during the time of the The Crucible. He confesses their affair, says Abigail was fired from his household over it and that Abigail is trying to murder Elizabeth so that she may "dance with me on my wife's grave. John Proctor arrives with Mary Warren and they inform The deposition is dismissed by Parris and Hathorne as illegal. Abigail proceeds her outburst because she knows the power she holds and how she can easily get people on her side, while also talking bad about Elizabeth. Act III: Proctor reveals his adultery with Abigail, and Elizabeth Proctor lies. Hale, deeply remorseful and blaming himself for the hysteria, has returned to counsel the condemned to falsely confess and avoid execution.

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Top 10 Notes: The Crucible

the crucible antagonist

The men argue until Proctor renounces his confession entirely, ripping up the signed document. Aware of John's affair, she warns him that Abigail is willing to expose it if necessary. She endures attention by constantly needing to get things done her way by lying and persuading others through her tricks which makes her the overall antagonist of the play. Retrieved July 16, 2016. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. After his plays found Broadway success, he branched out into screenplays and married actress Marilyn Monroe. She initially helps John, but later turns on him to save herself.

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Antagonist of the Crucible: Abigail Williams

the crucible antagonist

Arthur Miller was born to middle-class parents in 1915 in New York City. She then went on to be the main reason why dozens of townspeople were sent to jail or sentenced to hanging in Salem. Top 10 Notes: The Crucible VOICE OVER: Born in 1915 in Harlem, New York City, Arthur Miller has gone on to become one of the most significant playwrights in modern American theatre. Another would be Edward R. Having meet the characters that played a huge part in the book, John Proctor, who is a kind farmer in his middle thirties, but also a sinner because of an affair. Perspectives on Arthur Miller.

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