the Crucible, paradox

A detailed Summary of the Crucible, paradox

A paradox is something that appears to be one way but is the opposite way. Authors often use paradoxes in their works to make them more interesting. In the play The Crucible Arthur Miller presents the audience with a paradox in so much as the character of Reverend Hale, who lives, is presented as being more tragic than the character of John Proctor, who dies. At the beginning Hale is held in high regard, while Proctor is not trusted or loved by his wife. Hale runs away from the court when he realizes the truth while Proctor stands up for the truth. Hale abandons his faith and all he lives for, while Proctor dies for it.

At the beginning of the play Reverend Hale is held in high regard by the people of Salem. He is a trusted minister of God and all respect his opinions on matters of witchcraft. Parris says; "...I have sent for Reverend Hale of Beverly, and Mr. Hale will surely confirm that."(9) in act one. He does not think that the children are afflicted by witches and he looks to the wisdom and guidance of Hale to confirm that. When Hale says that Betty had been bewitched no one questions or doubts him. Everyone in the room believes him and they immediately agree with him that it is Tituba's fault that she cannot wake when he sa

...I can. And there's your first marvel, that I can . You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. Not white enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs. Elizabeth, in a burst of terror rushes to him and weeps against his hand. Give them no tear! Tears pleasure them! Show honor now, show a stony heard and sink them with it.(144)

ys it is. This shows the reader that he is held in high esteem and believed by all. Since Hale is liked and believed by all the people of Salem he is set up for a big fall at the end of the play. While Hale is held in high esteem by all Proctor is not. He does not even have the love or trust of his wife. This is shown in act two when they are arguing and he says;

Spare me! You forget nothin' and forgive nothin'. Learn charity, woman. I have gone tiptoe in this house all seven month since she [Abigail] is gone. I have not moved from there to there without I think to please you, and still an everlasting funeral marches round your heart. I cannot speak but I am doubted, every moment judge for lies, as though I come into a court when I come into this house!(54-55)

In the beginning Hale is well liked, Proctor is not. Hale runs away from the truth, Proctor does not. Hale abandons all he believes in, Proctor does not. The play is a paradox in which Proctor appears more tragic but in fact Hale is the more tragic of the two. This play demonstrates that tragedy may not always be synonymous with death. Tragedy can be paradoxically synonymous with life.

Hales downfall is completed in act four. He returns to Salem to council those condemned to death to confess. He tries to get other Christians to confess to witchcraft and devil worship. He also abandon

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Approximate Word count = 1189
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English