Paper Summary:

The paper presents an analysis of the themes of innocence and redemption in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible". The paper argues that, even though Reverend Parris and Reverend Hale appear to have redeemed themselves through their final objection to the court proceedings, their realization that the witch hunt and trial have been used by some for the purpose of revenge on others, as well as their recognition of Proctor's innocence, proves that they do not deserve redemption. The paper shows that this is because their guilt is greater than that of the ordinary community members who do not claim to speak with the authority of God or act with the authority of the law.

From the Paper:

"The famous twentieth century American literary author, Arthur Miller, offers a very pessimistic view of human nature and the condition of humanity in his play, The Crucible. The plot is a dramatic one in which a community of Puritans in Salem, Massachusetts, is caught up in a witch hunt. Many suffer the consequences of this witch hysteria but all, except John Proctor, participate in its development and try to manipulate it to serve their own ends. The religious leaders of the Salem community, its children, and its judges are guilty of causing the suffering of others, of lying, and of giving and believing false evidence. None of the main characters in the play are innocent, except John Proctor, and none deserve redemption."

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