The Crucible
People often misunderstand the distinction between being self-centered and being selfish. The definition of the word selfish is someone concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself: seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others. The definition of self-centered is someone who is concerned solely with one's own desires, needs, or interests. The two are so similar, yet so different. Ralph Waldo Emerson, a famous writer, wrote "Self-Reliance" in his published Essays. What he was preaching, however, was not selfishness but the presence of divine spirit in every individual. Self trust is the means by which we discover "that divine idea which each of us represents." In the novel, The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, many characters are self-seeking. However, many of them have no other choice. It is either save yourself or die. Contrary to most opinions, in this book selfishness is portrayed as not always a negative trait. Abigail Williams is a seventeen year old girl who is the niece of Reverend Parris. She was the Proctors' servant before Elizabeth fired her f
Another example where selfishness isn't so much of a negative trait is with Mary Warren. She is an eighteen year old servant in the Proctor household, who is one of the girls found dancing in the woods and is complicit in Abigail Williams' schemes. Although weak and tentative, she challenges the Proctors when they forbid her to go to court. However, Mary Warren eventually breaks down and testifies against Abigail until Abigail charges her with witchery. She is a sensitive girl whose actions are easily determined by others. She means no harm by getting involved. However, if Mary doesn't go along with Abigail and the girls, she would been killed. Therefore, out of a positive form of selfishness, she thinks of herself, before helping out the Proctors'. Lastly, Reverend Sam Parris, a weak, paranoid and suspicious agitator. Parris instigates the witchcraft panic when he finds his daughter and niece dancing in the woods with several other girls. He is continually beset with fears that others conspire against him. Parris knows the truth that Abigail is lying about the dancing and the witchcraft, but perpetuat
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Approximate Word count = 750
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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