HSC - The Crucible Flashcards
Para 1 Idea
Mass Hysteria and Artificiality of Religion
Introduction
__(Questions)__ serves to reveal the paradoxical (question) nature of human behaviour and motivations through the emotive sense of realism, which portrays the private and public persona of characters. In Miller’s allegorical composition ‘The Crucible’ is a representation of the mass hysteria that existed within McCarthyism which reflects on the impact of the paradoxical behaviour and identity. Furthermore, dramatic irony serves to demonstrate the intensity of human emotions which often conflict with individuals leading to dire consequences, seen through the vertical social hierarchy and public persona.
Para 1 Quote 1
“Vengeance is walking Salem… Now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom” – Proctor
P1 Q1 Analysis
The phrase ‘vengeance is walking Salem’ is a metaphor that demonstrates the idea that individuals can become encompassed in revenge and accuse others of vengeance, exactly what is seen with McCarthyism. It challenges the reader’s assumptions of how individuals show rage.
Para 1 Quote 2
“Reproach me not with the fear in the country; there is fear in the country because there is a moving plot to topple Christ in the country!” – Danforth
P1 Q2 Analysis
Danforth’s imperative dialogue highlights his firm stance, representing his commitment to upholding/zealotry to Christianity even though he knows his implications. It draws parallels to McCarthy’s zealous ambition of ‘communists.
Para 1 Quote 3
“All innocent and Christian people are happy for the courts in Salem! These people are gloomy for it.” Parris
P1 Q3 Analysis
Irony - The court is designed to act in the public’s interest and be honest and truthful. The people of Salem signed in defence of some of those accused, as Parris doesn’t know and cannot punish the signers against, but he considers it an attack against the court and societal consensus, in the same way how Senator McCarthy viewed any resistance to his zealous desire to root out communists as un-American.
Para 2 Idea
Vertical social hierarchy creates injustice and self preservation
Para 2 Quote 1
“You misunderstand, sir; I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime. It is not just” – Danforth
P2 Q1 Analysis
Anomaly - All individuals/suspects in the courtroom are treated with the same punishment even if the crime or evidence isn’t the same
Irony - The court is meant to uphold the law in a morally and socially acceptable way. Danforth realises his mistake but continues to punish as it would be ‘unjust’ otherwise, even though it was unjust to begin with.
The Anomaly highlights how it is better for one to uphold their existing actions rather than admit error and risk a decline in their reputation. This leads to Irony, as a court is to uphold the law in society’s interest, not an individual’s interest.
Para 2 Quote 2
“Excellency, since I came to Salem this man is blackening my name” Parris to John Proctor
P2 Q2 Analysis
High Modality Dialogue - The phrase ‘this man is blackening my name’ is an attempt to preserve Parris’s individual place in the vertical social heirarchy continously trying to remove threats around him.
Indicates to readers that the vertical social heirarchy has the unintended influence of constant seeking for higher power for self preservation, breaking moral ethics in the process. Injustices come to hose who try to prevent whom are seeking power, leading to a collapse of a fair society.
Para 2 Quote 3
“We burn a hot dire here; it melts down all concealment”
P2 Q3 Analysis
Motifs - Power, trust & authority. An indication from Miller that the court holds substantial power over society and scours for the truth.
A warning from the court on whatever lies he hides they will be seen. Shows the struggle of power of the people of Salem experience, indicates to readers the importance of a democratic and fair governing system.
