etc., whether the threat is real or not; the feeling or condition of being afraid. But fear is an emotion that really affects people, makes them behave without thinking and doubt about everything. This strong emotion takes an important role in The Crucible: At the end of the 17th century the people of Salem only had a few things to be afraid of: Ruling authority punishments, that their name was brought into shame and the pain and suffering of being bothered from supernatural forces. The girls from
Mass hysteria is a problem that has been occurring throughout the world for centuries. Mass hysteria is the common term used to describe a situation in which various people all suffer from similar hysterical symptoms. Whether it is from a phantom illness or an inexplicable event. This occurred before the colonies were created during the Salem Witch Trials, explained through the story The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller. Other time periods, such as in the late 1950’s during the Second Red Scare
is according to the site titled History. The mentality of rioting mobs correlates strongly with mob hysteria. Particularly this phenomenon played a substantial role in the catastrophe of the Salem Witch Trials and the McCarthy era. A book named The Crucible written by Arthur Miller was staunchly influenced by both events. The McCarthy era and The Crucible are both prime examples of mob hysteria which makes people think unclearly, abandons their morals, ethics, and shows blatant corruption.
In the crucible several characters had to face the tough decision to protect their integrity or their reputation. "Abby, we’ve got to tell. Witchery's a hangin' error, a hangin' like they done in Boston two year ago! We must tell the truth, Abby! You'll only be
Mary” by Margaret Atwood set in the late 1600s is one historical example of scapegoating. The Crucible by Arthur Miller set in Massachusetts in 1692 is a significant literary representation. The 1947 Herb Block cartoon “It’s okay -- we’re hunting Communists” from the Washington Post, is also a source showing scapegoating. In all three artistic works, scapegoating is either directly referenced, or implied, showing how mass hysteria can shape the views of society.
Reynolds 9/29/15 American Lit. The Crucible—a Deadly Experiment of Fear Hysteria by definition is a noun that means “exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement, especially among a group of people”. We see humans express these traits during times of panic and fear. A prime example of hysteria would be the Salem witch trials. This event occurred in colonial America and was caused by the fear of witchcraft and satanic worship. In the play The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, we can observe townspeople
American playwright Arthur Miller finished his classical play The Crucible, a dramatized story of the infamous Salem Witch Trials that took place in the Province of Massachusetts Bay during 1692 and 1693, in 1953. The Crucible explores the vulnerableness of society and the tribulations of doing good in the face of evil. Miller’s characters endure extensive social pressures at both the social and the personal level. The word “crucible” carries the various definitions: a vessel of a very refractory material
Vampire Hysteria Many accounts of hysteria have developed over periods of time, some of which are still being studied. The causes of these accounts can range anywhere from things people can’t explain or for someone’s own personal motives, like jealousy. During the 18th century, a belief of vampires increased dramatically resulting in what could only be called a mass hysteria throughout most of Europe. The vampire hysteria spread quickly through Europe reaching places like Serbia, Russia, Transylvania
“interpret the will of God”. In ‘The Crucible’, those who were to interpret the will of God enforced a pure a religiously rooted theocracy which later accounted for the mass hysteria during this colonial period. In William Bradford’s journal, the experiences of newly immigrated Puritans are documented expressing individual interpretations of God’s presence in their lives. The Puritans intertwined the tenets Irresistible Grace, Perseverance of the “saints”, and
In 1692, an incredible event occurred that resulted in the death of many innocent men and women. This event was the Salem Witch Trials. According to an article, The Salem Witch Trials, “Rampant fear among the Puritans in the New England village of Salem sparked attacks against anyone who was suspected of witchcraft” (The Salem Witch Trials). The thing about the Europeans in early Massachusetts is that they were heavily religious. Witchcraft, in Salem, was considered a crime against Christianity that