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  • Essay / The Crucible: Analyzing Hypocrisy in 17th-Century Salem

    Table of ContentsThe First Aspect of HypocrisyThe Second Aspect of HypocrisyThe Central Message of the PlayThe Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, is a play that was studied by many people, especially those interested in analyzing acts of hypocrisy. The story takes place in Salem, Massachusetts in the 17th century, where a group of girls are accused of practicing witchcraft. The moral leaders of the city, who condemn and judge the accused, are themselves guilty of moral hypocrisy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The first aspect of the hypocrisy displayed in the play is the fact that Salem's society is deeply religious, but its religious leaders are flawed. Reverend Parris, for example, is portrayed as a weak and self-centered man, more concerned with his reputation than the well-being of his own daughter. He is hypocritical in his behavior toward his community and congregation, using his authority to keep the city in order while being more concerned with his reputation and financial standing than his moral leadership. Likewise, Reverend Hale is also hypocritical in his actions. He claims to be an expert in witchcraft, but he fails to understand the manipulation of Abigail Williams and the other accusers, leading to the wrongful conviction of many innocent people. The second aspect of hypocrisy in The Crucible is the selfishness and greed of the townspeople. . They are more interested in exonerating themselves than telling the truth, even if it leads to the death of innocent people. The townspeople fear being accused of witchcraft and accuse others of drawing attention away from themselves. Additionally, many who claim to be good and godly individuals, like Thomas Putnam, are more interested in obtaining financial advantage than in protecting the truth. The theme of hypocrisy in the play is deepened by the fact that it is prevalent in all areas. aspects of society - from religious leaders, teenage girls to the rest of the townspeople. The hypocrisy of Salem society is such that it even extends to the concept of justice and fairness. The accused are given no chance to defend themselves and are instead convicted simply based on the accusers' unfounded accusations. The central message of the play is that hypocrisy destroys society. In the case of the Salem community, the hypocrisy of religious leaders, the greed of residents, and the power-hungry nature of some individuals shook the community to its foundations. The wrongful accusation of innocent individuals and their subsequent deaths, coupled with the realization that moral leaders were themselves morally corrupt, brought the city down and ultimately destroyed its reputation. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.Get a Custom EssayIn conclusion, The Crucible is a remarkable play that highlights how hypocrisy can destroy society. The religious leaders of Salem society, greedy townspeople, and power-hungry individuals are depicted as representative of the human condition. Although the play is set in the 17th century, its relevance extends to modern society, where hypocrisy remains prevalent. It recalls that society must be governed by truth and justice, and that the actions of its members must be guided by virtue to ensure sustainable development, progress and prosperity...