Why Do We Choose To Belong In The Crucible

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Q: “We can choose to belong or not belong. To what extent do the experiences of individuals and their place in society influence their decisions on belonging?” Respond to this statement, referring in detail to your prescribed text, The Crucible and at least one text of your own choosing (Boy in the Striped Pajamas) The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a play that explores how the witch trials in 1692 shaped the choices to belong or not belong within the society of Salem, Massachusetts. Miller depicts these choices to his audience specifically through the two main characters, John Proctor and Abigail Williams. Throughout the play, Miller demonstrates how the themes of reputation and abuse of power significantly affected these individuals belonging…show more content…
The plot revolves around accusations of witchcraft and hysteria caused by Abigail that plagues Salem and splits the town into those who use the trials for their own gain and those who desire the good of the society. Boy in the Striped Pajamas is set during World War II in Berlin during the period of time in which Germany intended on eliminating the entire Jewish…show more content…
Inside the society of Salem, you either abide by theocracy, God’s word and The Ten Commandments or you get excommunicated from the society. Maintaining a good reputation is therefore essential in belonging in the community. Trying to sustain a good reputation is seen mostly with Abigail Williams. Due to her deceitful and manipulative ways, it is essential for her to cover up any trace of wrong doing she has done to carry on a healthy reputation. It is evident she cares for her reputation as she constantly says things like “...There be no blush about my name.”(pg.20) and “... I will not have it said my name is soiled” (p.21). Having a good reputation is quintessential and majorly influences an individual’s belonging through The

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