Comparative Analysis of Montana 1948 and The Crucible

Though set in different times of American history, the revisionist novel Montana 1948 written by Larry Watson explores the corruption of justice and the nepotistic community of Bentrock. Similarly, the allegorical play ‘The Crucible’ set in the 1950s in the McCarthysim era depicts a society where submissive individuals are subject to an over controlling religious regime that ultimately lead to a disorderly society. Miller also connotes that crisis situations can reveal the true nature of an individual and insinuates preconceived notions of ideas which separate communities apart. The innate urge to blame someone to accuse others of their wrongdoings can pave the way to a society that is elaborately flawed and portray the extent to manipulation of power can lead to the detriment of others. Both depict societies where a sense of justice is distorted to preserve the importance of reputation. In addition, it illustrates that within their respective societies, their societies are dominated by men who have their most power wielded to eradicate the superiority of women. The ways the characters are depicted portray how those that are in power control, manipulate the systems to suit their own interests ultimately differ.

Both texts explore a time of crisis that threatens the reputation of those in power, and choose to conceal the truth to uphold their reputation. In the Crucible, Miller portrays the tendency of individuals to take advantage of their reputation to fulfil their own interests consequently afflicting the community of Salem. This is exhibited when John Proctor has a dilemma to confess to his wrongdoings which consequently results in a tainted reputation. Similarly, there is a moral dilemma in the Montana that precipitates conflict within the family of Hayden. In Montana 1948, Wes is faced with a dilemma to uphold the law or to stay loyal to his family. Gail states that “crimes are supposed to go unpunished” acting as a moral compass influencing his views.. Wes having the ultimate power as Sheriff in Mercer County, it is his duty to uphold the law. His values are torn apart between the ‘Hayden’ family reputation and serving the community. It is evident that Montana illustrates that reputation is paramount whereas in the Crucible, people disregard their puritannical views and utilise their reputation in order to preserve their status.

Both texts portray the lack of empowerment women face in their oppressive societies as actions are dictated by their respective societies. By the characterisation of Tituba a slave who holds limited power and authority, Miller illustrates the injustice that women face despite their continual plea for freedom. Miller’s stage direction insinuates that superiority of women does not exist, exemplified by Tituba “falling on her knees” for mercy and freedom. The Crucible highlights the lack of empowerment that is entrenched in the society of Salem which fuels the hysteria of witchcraft. In Similarly in Montana 1948, the nepotistic society of Bentrock is dominated by the Hayden family who hold the most power of the town. This is portrayed by the characterisation of Frank who sexually abuses Native American women and murders Marie. Commonly held perceptions of Native Americans are ‘ lazy and superstitious’ makes it unlikely that Frank will be indicted of the murder of Marie Little Soldier.This emphasises the idea that Frank is a man of power who utilises his power to get away with his wrong doings which leads to detrimental consequences for Wes and the family. Ultimately it is the dominant males who retain the most power within their respective communities and within those societies men use their power over women that leads to an imbalance of inequalities.

Both Montana and The Crucible are set in worlds where individuals in a position of power are able to manipulate the justice system to suit their own interests. In Montana, Wes, Frank and Julian enables them to control the justice system. This is exhibited when Wes tells Gail “ they can’t arrest us- we are the law” emphasising the fact that they hold the most power. As the novel progresses, Frank is locked in the basement instead of jail to remain somewhat loyal. This reveals to the audience that Wes has the power as a Sheriff to manipulate the justice system of Bentrock. In the same way, Danforth who maintains strict adherence to the Puritan law. It is implied that during times of desperation, individuals conform to the demands of dominant individuals to avoid harmful consequences, this is supported by the idea of the girls following the demands of Abigail and repeating the words of Mary Warren.

The societal breakdown that causs distress within their respective communities is what inevitably destroy and separate people apart. Montana and The Crucible are the epitome of these that illustrates that dominant individuals with power are capable of manipulating the justice system such characters such as Abigail Williams capable of using her power to accuse others and in Montana Wes who is the sheriff of Mercer County lead to the problematic functioning of the towns.