Individual Vs. Society In The Crucible

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Individual VS Society Fear is a common human emotion. However, people respond to it in different ways. This response is not always the best and can result in tragedy. During various instances in history has fear led people to do things later are regretted. From the Salem witch trials, to McCarthyism to even modern political witch trials fear has played a big role in. In all of these occasions people follow society and society’s norms. Individuals who go against society are feared and viewed as threats. Society fears what is out of the norm or unknown and is sometimes shaped by that fear. Should one be one’s own individual,different or should one go with society to fit in? I believe being your own individual is the way to go. Being an individual is …show more content…

However, it will shape you and even allow you to impact the world positively. When one lets society control your decisions it may not end well. In the Crucible we see both aspects of the question plus a middle point. The majority supported the witch hunts in the believe they would protect the town, themselves and do God’s work. Fearing a witch could hurt them anything different than the “norm” would be considered suspicious. John Proctor is an example of this individualism. Although not a perfect human, I consider him one of the most righteous in the whole story. He was aware of what was happening in Salem and feared not to say his opinion. “Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God’s fingers? I’ll tell you what’s walking Salem--vengeance is walking Salem. . . “ Since people feared witches, they just went with what the accuser said, no questions asked they believed the majority. John Proctor knows that the accusations are not based on truth, but on the witch hunters. Even though he confesses and gives his word he is not

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