Examples of Conformism in "The Crucible"

In Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, the theme of conformism is prominent as characters in the town of Salem are pressured to conform to societal norms and beliefs, even at the expense of their own morals and values. Throughout the play, examples of conformism can be seen through characters like Reverend Parris, Abigail Williams, and Mary Warren, who succumb to the pressures of conformity in order to fit in and avoid being ostracized by their community. This essay will explore the different ways in which conformism is portrayed in The Crucible and how it ultimately leads to the tragic events that unfold in Salem.

Reverend Parris

One of the most striking examples of conformism in The Crucible is seen through the character of Reverend Parris. As the town's minister, Reverend Parris is expected to uphold the strict religious and moral codes of Salem society. However, his fear of being perceived as weak or unfit for his role leads him to conform to the expectations of the community, even if it means sacrificing his own integrity. This is evident in his reluctance to speak out against the witch trials, despite his doubts about their validity. In doing so, Reverend Parris demonstrates how conformism can blind individuals to the truth and lead to destructive consequences.

Abigail Williams

Another example of conformism in The Crucible is seen through the character of Abigail Williams. Abigail is willing to conform to the expectations of society in order to maintain her status and power within the community. She manipulates and accuses others of witchcraft in order to deflect attention away from herself and avoid being ostracized by the townspeople. Abigail's willingness to conform to the hysteria surrounding the witch trials highlights how the fear of being different or standing out can drive individuals to commit immoral acts in order to fit in.

Mary Warren

Mary Warren is another character in The Crucible who exemplifies the destructive nature of conformism. Initially, Mary tries to resist the pressures of conformity and speak out against the injustices of the witch trials. However, when she is threatened and manipulated by Abigail and the other girls, Mary ultimately succumbs to the pressures of conformism and accuses others of witchcraft in order to protect herself. This tragic turn of events demonstrates how the fear of being ostracized or punished can lead individuals to betray their own beliefs and values in order to conform to societal expectations.

The Crucible serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of conformism and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and society as a whole. Through the characters of Reverend Parris, Abigail Williams, and Mary Warren, Arthur Miller illustrates how the fear of being different or standing out can drive individuals to abandon their own morals and values in order to fit in. Ultimately, conformism in The Crucible leads to a tragic chain of events that result in the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of a community. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly conforming to societal expectations, and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.