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This is my theme analysis essay for The Crucible. If you haven't read the play, then too bad. I'm not going to type up a summary for you. Look it up on wikipedia, or something. Anyway, here's my essay. I hope you find it intellectually stimulating.
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City Upon a Hill


Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, takes place in 17th century Salem, Massachusetts, a theocracy at the time. A reoccurring theme in The Crucible is the abuse of power, particularly by those with religious authority. Specific characteristics of a theocracy prevent it from being an effective form of government. It does not allow for individual morality, the punishments for religious laxity are carried out by federal means, and it depends on the people’s willingness to participate.

The theocratic government of Salem forces everyone to conform to the same beliefs and to accept the decisions of the Church. In Act I, a group of townsfolk, gathered at the bed of afflicted Betty Parris, witnesses an argument between Proctor and Rev. Parris over Parris’ methods of preaching. Rev. Parris’ statement, “It is not for you to decide what is good for you to hear!” (pg. 122 cool demonstrates the Puritan close-mindedness seen throughout The Crucible. Possibly one of the most religiously defiant lines in the play comes from Elizabeth Proctor when Rev. Hale is testing her religious purity, “I cannot think the Devil may own a woman’s soul…when she keeps an upright way, as I have.” (pg. 1244) Rev. Hale believes Elizabeth’s admission to not believing in witchcraft means that she doubts the Gospel. When a sense of morality is imposed upon a state, dissension can occur; thus creating a destabilized government.

There is no separation of church and state in Salem, meaning that all of the judicial power is in the hands of the religious leaders. During the trials, John Proctor confronts the court and the girls. Judge Danforth emphasizes the weight of Proctor’s accusation, saying, “…The entire contention of the state in these trials is that the voice of Heaven is speaking through the children…” (pg. 1251) Spectral evidence is considered to be legal proof. Judge Danforth’s assertion, “…This is a court of law. The law, based upon the Bible, and the Bible, writ by the Almighty God, forbid the practice of witchcraft, and describe death as the penalty…” (pg. 1256), portrays the theocratic mind-set. By permitting flimsy evidence to be used in federal court and by not using impartial judgment, truth and justice are corrupted.

No government can exist without the consent of the people it rules over. Whether they know it or not, it is the townspeople’s acceptance of the trials that allows the hangings to continue in Salem. Judge Hathorne observes their reactions and notes, “…At every execution I have seen naught but high satisfaction in the town.” (pg. 1266) A theocracy does not promote individual thinking. A few leaders impose their doctrine on many, repressing the masses’ independence. But when the people realize that their opinions do, in fact, impact their government, the effect is often dramatic, as seen in Rev. Parris’ quote, “Andover has thrown out the court, they say, and will have no part of witchcraft.” (pg. 1266) Unlike other forms of government, a theocracy not only controls the laws, but the citizens’ morals, as well.

A theocratic government cannot fully serve the people it governs because it is inflexible. It does not endorse any type of individualism, nor does it tolerate any opposition. A competent administration must have the best interest of the people at heart. The small government of Salem is no exception.







“Ignorance and prejudice and fear walk hand in hand.” (Witch Hunt, by Rush)

“You and I harbor the same dark secret in our hearts. The bane of gods and kings. The bitterness of knowing that men are free. But your subjects do not know it, and you do.” (The Flies, by Jean-Paul Sartre)