Post by kendall on Dec 7, 2015 19:10:59 GMT
Hey folks,
I'm having a mini-nightmare (not to be hyperbolic about it!) in putting these group plans on the board but they will be up by tomorrow.
In the meantime, here is an essay about theme of betrayal. Do the usual: print off, highlight, ask any questions.
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"The Crucible", by Arthur Miller, is a play which focuses on the Salem witch trials of 1692. However, it can also be interpreted as an allegory of the McCarthyism movement which caused widespread hysteria in America, in the 1950s. The play centres around the accusations of witchcraft, initiated by Abigail Williams, and the anxiety they ensued. It sees the protagonist, John Proctor, struggle with his conscience as he decides whether to reveal the truth of the trials or preserve his reputation. Throughout the play, Miller reveals the theme of betrayal, which is key to understanding the action of the play and appreciating the wider themes.
Miller highlights the main act of betrayal in the novel through the affair between Proctor and Abigail. In Act one it is revealed to the audience that Proctor has committed adultery with Abigail Williams, thus sparking a vengeful aspect in her character. Though Proctor denounces the affair he still seems tempted, as interpreted by the stage direction: "knowing smile", which further highlights his betrayal to his wife. However, Abigail is still infatuated with Proctor:
"[you] put knowledge in my heart...you loved me"
The 'knowledge' refers to a deeper connection than a purely physical relationship. It implies that Proctor is her first love, suggesting that she will do anything to get him back. The strength of Abigail's love poses a threat to the Salem community, in particular Elizabeth, due to her spiteful nature:
"I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder"
Abigail threatens the girls so that they will keep quiet and preserve Abigail's name. The menacing tone of her comment implies a darker, malicious side to Abigail's character. As she is the driving force behind the witch trials, it can be argued that the betrayal is a catalyst for the hysteria, since the affair provokes Abigail's vengeance, which is key to who she accuses.
Miller highlights the impact of Proctor's betrayal on his marriage by depicting its cold nature. Elizabeth and Proctor seem distant and separated. There is a distinct sense of betrayal in their dry, stilted conversation, implying that Elizabeth cannot truly forgive her husband. Her distrust and upset is shown when she merely "receives" a kiss from her husband. Proctor reflects the lack of romance in their marriage when he says: "it's winter in here yet". This represents the cold, unfeeling state of their marriage, as a result of Proctor's betrayal. Just as in winter, when plants and nature die, so their marriage is dying; their love is no longer strong.
Proctor tries, however, to gain forgiveness saying that he "means to please" her. He is evidently frustrated that she cannot forget his affair as he angrily appeals to her, claiming that he has done everything he can:
"I have gone tiptoe in this house all seven month since she is gone...and still an everlasting funeral marches round your heart"
It is clear that Proctor believes he should be forgiven for his act of betrayal, as he feels he has done everything he can to please his wife. This gains sympathy from the audience as it appears he is a good man. However, Proctor further betrays his wife by refusing to confess to adultery in order to reveal the truth behind the accusations. He fears his good name will be ruined if he confesses, but he wants to do the right thing. Proctor struggles with his conscience here as he is torn between what is right and what he wants.
Miller shows the consequences of the betrayal on Salem by highlighting the part it plays in the witch trials. Proctor's act of betrayal, his affair, precipitates the witch trials and fuels Abigail's vengeful nature. This is evident when Elizabeth Proctor, an upstanding member of the Salem community, is accused by Abigail. Elizabeth knows that she is Abigail's main victim as she is the obstacle to the affair:
"She wants me dead. I knew all week it would come to this!"
Abigail has worked her way through the Salem community, accusing those of lesser importance first so that she can gain trust, until she can accuse those with a higher status. The theme of betrayal is at the core of the witch trials as everyone is betraying each other in order to relieve personal grudges Giles Corey unwittingly betrays his wife, Martha, by telling Hale she reads strange books, thus making her a victim of the trials. Putnam tries to gain revenge regarding land by accusing those who have annoyed him in the past. It is said: "We vote by name in this society not by acreage", highlighting the agendas of some of the characters. It also implies the motivation for some of the accusations.
The true intent behind the witch trials is revealed in the court scene, whereby Proctor confesses to adultery, thus atoning his betrayal. When Elizabeth is accused Proctor shows his love for her by claiming he "will fall like an ocean on that court", finally making the right decision to confess. It highlights that the love had not completely died between the couple but it was merely suppressed due to the affair. Proctor realised that in order to forgive himself, and gain Elizabeth's forgiveness, he must confess. However, he still worries about his reputation right up until he confesses:
"[trembling, his life collapsing about him]: I have known her, sir"
This highlights the importance of reputation in Salem and the weight which it carries. Proctor believes that he is destroying everything by confessing to lechery. This evokes sympathy in the reader and restores an admirable quality to his character. By admitting his sin his doers the right thing and atones for his act of betrayal. He has achieved a sense of goodness through his confession.
Throughout the play, Arthur Miller refers to the theme of betrayal and highlights its importance to the action. The main act of betrayal, Proctor's affair, has disastrous consequences as it precipitates the hysteria of the witch trials, by provoking Abigail's vengeful nature. However, it also has an adverse effect on the love between Proctor and Elizabeth, as it creates separation in their marriage. It is only when Proctor atones for his betrayal, by confessing to his affair, that the love between them is again realised. Miller also highlights that the theme of betrayal exists at the core of the accusations as the Salem inhabitants betray each other to gain land and revenge. In conclusion, Miller effectively explores the theme of betrayal, whilst developing characterisation and other central themes, which contributes to the understanding of the text as a whole.
A reminder that you should be revising your key scene plan for next week's timed essay.
Mrs K
