The Crucible

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1. 
   amy-lepore Teacher
   High School - 12th Grade

   Even the most peaceful life is stricken with conflict...internal and/or external.

   Ruth Putnam's old neighbor and the Nurses are good examples.  THe older you get, the more calm and peaceful perhaps you tend to try and live.  However, conflict is an inevitable part of their lives...first through the accusations, then through the imprisonment, and finally through trial and death.

   The younger members of the community seem to seek conflict out.  Abigail and Mary Warren are good examples.  Mary's internal conflict involves her recognition that the girls are lying and wanting to confess the truth but she proves weak against the external conflict and influence of the girls' testimony when they turn to her as a target.

   Elizabeth and John Proctor have conflict inside and out of their marriage.  They conflict due to John's infidelity, and Elizabeth's insecurities as well as the accusations of witchcraft against Elizabeth.  I love watching them put their internal conflicts to rest and become a united front against the outside threat.  It is a prime example of how people appear to be happy on the outside of the house but what goes on at home is not always the happy and comfortable life the family presents.

   Conflict is part of life--man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. himself--it can not be avoided.  In the case of The Crucible, some actively search conflict out while others have it dumped on their door, but it is always present.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/crucible

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   Posted by amy-lepore on Monday June 2, 2008 at 6:07 AM
   
   

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