The Crucible Group

Question:

ruthsmith
ruthsmith
Student
High School - 11th Grade

Why does Putnam want the people to be convicted of witchcraft?

Rate question:

Posted by ruthsmith on Thursday December 11, 2008 at 12:40 PM and tagged with putnam, the crucible, the crucible play, witchcraft.

Answers:


  1. teacherscribe Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    He wants them convicted so he can purchase their land.  According to the law if you are convicted of witch craft, not only will you be hanged but you will also forfeit your right to your property.  The property will then be sold.  Putnam is the riches man in Salem and can buy whatever land he wishes once it has been taken from its rightful owners.

    Recall that Giles Corey presents a statement that alledges that Putnam has his daugther accuse people who have prime land.  Giles tells Danforth, after Putnam's daughter has accused George Jacobs of witchcraft, "If Jacobs hangs for a witch he forfeits up his property - that's law!  And there is none but Putnam with the coin to buy so great a piece.  This man is killing his neighbor's for their land!"

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/crucible

    Rate answer:

    Posted by teacherscribe on Thursday December 11, 2008 at 12:56 PM