Power In The Crucible

Power Fabricricating Fear

Power, the ability to maintain control, command, or authority over others can often be determined by one’s reputation and their ability to persuade others. This principle is displayed within The Crucible, a play written by Arthur Miller, which follows the town of Salem, Massachusetts navigating through a “Witchcraft” outbreak supposedly lead by the Devil. Within such a theocratic society such as Salem, the Devil is often associated with death, fear, and uncertainty, with his name alone often believed to influence others into following through with certain actions. The Devil, as a key figure behind the immense “witchcraft” occurring in Salem, is crafted by Miller as the most influential “character” based off the fear

His jurisdiction over others is issued by the townspeople, seeing as they hold confidence in his ability to “control” individuals. In a religious society, such as Salem, the Devil is known for his spiteful character, along with, inflicting sickness upon people such as Ruth, and Betty, and “commanding” people, like Tituba, into commencing rituals. After playing in the woods with other girls, in the middle of the night, Betty suddenly becomes “unconscious” and “captured”. Parris develops a feeling as if she is “Out of [his] sight! Out of [his]. Oh, my God! God… will you open up your eyes! Betty, little one”(8). Coming to the conclusion that Betty and Ruth have both been placed into a trance by the “Devil” and are disconnected with the outside world. Being the Devil’s first physical action against people, an immense amount of terror is manufactured. .This sickness then transforms into the first idea that the Devil is able “control” others, ultimately aiding his authority and command over the townsfolk. As well, in order to discover the truth, Parris and Putnam threaten Tituba with death. After listening to such violent repercussions, Tituba admits that she “don 't desire to work for him”(44) though implying contact between the Devil and herself. In spite of fear, Tituba openly admits to being controlled by the Devil, reassuring the prevalence of the Devil in Salem. Being the first character to openly admit to being associated with the Devil, this significantly exemplifies the fear and uncertainty within the townspeople, thus continually augmenting the Devil’s authority over society. As the ferocious argument between Parris, Putnam, and Abigail lingers, Tituba conveys a message “sent by the Devil” explaining his severe hatred toward Parris who “must be kill[ed]! Mr. Parris no goodly... man, and he bid me rise out of my bed and