What evidence suggests that sharp divisions exist among the
people of Salem Village? Discuss at least two characters who are affected by
the discord. You may discuss characters who cause conflict or those who are
accused or resented by others and why.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
The Crucible Act One
Respond to the following prompt in a minimum of 200 words. You must also reply to at least two classmates' posts. All posts and replies should be thoughtful, well-supported, and clearly written in complete sentences. Proofread before submitting. Posts and replies due by November 8.
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The first real evidence of divisions amongst the people of Salem Village that we see is that Reverend Parris repeatedly speaks of having enemies, and at one point states, "There is a faction that is sworn to drive me from the pulpit." There is also evidence that Thomas Putnam is highly petty with his grudges, and this leads to further divisions. This is best shown when it talks about how he and his brother jailed the previous preacher for debts he did not owe. A third and final example of division and conflict would be the one John Proctor seems to be having with all of Salem, and especially with Reverend Parris. He disagrees with Parris's "Authority" and his lust thereof, and seems by all accounts to be an anarchist, which is just what Parris accuses him of. Proctor also has several disagreements with Putnam several times, and goes out of his way to tick off both Putnam and Parris several times throughout his time in the room with them.
ReplyDeleteYo' Matt. Do you agree that Proctor is the man Matt? Do you think that Proctor is so cool for standing up against the ridiculous authority Matt? Do you wish that you were like him Matt? I wish I was like him... Matt.
DeleteYes Jessica, I do agree that Proctor is the man to be in this whacked out crazy play. Also he has the right idea standing up to this horrible theocratic dictatorship, Jessica. Do you enjoy saying my name, Jessica? I think you do, Jessica.
DeleteI don't think you should just assume things about me, Matt. Why are you asking all those questions Matt? Don't you know how to be independent Matt? Gosh, get a hold of yourself Matt.
DeleteIn Salem, there was an obvious separation between people; Parris and Proctor only bickered and said things to and about each other that were harmful and mean. In Act One, Proctor says to Parris: “Mr. Parris, you are the first minister ever did demand the deed to this house-.“ Parris cuts him of and says: “Man! Don’t a minister deserve a house to live in?” Proctor says: “To live in, yes. But to ask ownership is like you shall own the meeting house itself; the last meeting I were at you spoke so long on deeds and mortgages I thought it were an auction.” As you can see, Parris and Proctor didn’t get along at all; they didn’t see eye to eye and had different views of what was important. Later in the story in a conversation between Hale and Proctor, Proctor admits that he hardly attended church due to the dislike and disapproval he had for Parris. He believed that Parris was more concerned with money, possessions, and talking about the devil more than he was concerned with preaching the word of God to the people. Parris says: “There is a party in this church. I am not blind; there is a faction and a party.” Proctor replies: “Against you?” Putnam says, “Against him and all authority!” Proctor: “Why, then I must find it and join it.” Proctor implies that he dislikes Parris so much that he’d join a rebellion against him. Why, you ask? ‘Cause Proctor is the man. Man.
ReplyDeleteProctor is clearly an anarchist, and seems highly anti-religion as well, which I can respect about him. He also seems to be the only man in this play with his stuff (to avoid using other words,) together, as it were. Were I in Salem right now, i'd find Mr. Proctor and stay close by his side at all times.
DeleteProctor is not anti-religious. He refers to himself as a religious man quite regularly, and is proud of the title. Neither does he appear (in my opinion) to be much of an anarchist, John Proctor does not wish for the disarray and mayhem of anarchy; he simply wants to overthrow Paris with as little ruckus as possible. Yes, it is debatable that he discussed joining a "party" that is "against him and all authority", but that was likely a heat of the moment saying in anger. You will also come to realize that near the end of the book you would regret affiliating with John Proctor. In my opinion the only person with their "stuff" together is, sadly, Abigail. She quickly learns to effectively twist people to do what she wants.
DeleteSo I feel like I shouldn't post here because Jess and Matt are totally having a personal conversation here but I need two responses so I'm just gonna...
DeleteMatt, your post is very well rounded and discussed several of the obvious divisions in the first act. For the most part I agree with your points, with the exception of John Proctor being an anarchist. Proctor doesn't want the chaos of anarchy, he seems like the kind of person that would lean towards a more peaceful transition of leadership. Other than that fantastic job.
There are many examples of conflict between the people of Salem, some as drastic as the entire town's hatred of Paris and the extremely religious town versus the “witches” but some were as discreet as Abigail and Elizabeth Proctor's conflict. They were very prominent in the book, but few to none of the townspeople knew what was happening.
ReplyDeleteAbigail had worked for Elizabeth Proctor, John's wife, and was dismissed because Elizabeth had reason to believe she had sexual relations with John Proctor. Elizabeth attacked Abigail's reputation, claiming that the Proctors wouldn't go to church often because "she will not sit so close to something soiled.” (Miller, 6) Abigail in turn spoke of Elizabeth as though she were a horrid, bitter woman and a liar.
Quickly we realize that Abigail did indeed have sex with John Proctor, and Abigail is truly a horrible person and Elizabeth is a wonderful person but that has nothing to do with this subject.
There are many different conflicts in the story which give it interesting drama, but I find that Abigail and Elizabeth Proctor’s differences are the most important to the story plot. In the first act of The Crucible Abigail appears to be a major character and her disagreements with Elizabeth Proctor are highlighted.
I agree with you Dana. If Abigail wouldn't have been such a loose goose and if John Proctor knew how to be loyal and keep it in his pants, then the entire "witch-hunt" thing probably wouldn't have happened. This all started because Abigail wanted to be with Proctor, jealousy and all that kicked in, so she was the girl that cried "witch!" She's stupid and ugly and a liar and I hate her.
ReplyDeleteFabulous postings my Crucible readers. Oh Wade and Timira, where art thou??
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that there are plenty of grudges in this small town, and these will undoubtedly influence what happens to who. Just the overall tone of the dialogue suggests resentment between the people of Salem. It almost feels like their duty bound by God to exacerbate each others flaws as some kind of purgative process before their Lord, thrusting their dark selves into the searing, white light, while trying to avoid it all the same.The statement on page 7 "It is still impossible for man to organize his social life without repressions, and the balance has yet to be struck between order and freedom.", and all of the exposition before the dialogue seem to point to this.
ReplyDeleteWade, you need two replies for full credit.
Delete