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  • Essay / Blame for the Characters of The Crucible: Mrs. Putnam's Role in Condemning Witchcraft

    In Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, the characters are consumed by hysteria and paranoia as they accuse each other of practicing witchcraft. In this chaotic atmosphere, Mrs. Putnam appears as a character who constantly blames witchcraft for the misfortunes that befell her family. This essay will explore the reasons behind Ms. Putnam's tendency to blame witchcraft, examining her personal experiences and motivations. Ultimately, it will demonstrate that Mrs. Putnam's unwavering belief in the supernatural allows her to blame others for her own misfortunes, thereby contributing to the escalating accusations and tragedies in the play. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayMrs. Putnam's blame for witchcraft stems from his personal losses, particularly the deaths of his seven children. Throughout the play, she mentions this tragedy several times, attributing their deaths to supernatural causes. For example, she says: “I wouldn't say it's sick; the touch of the devil is heavier than sick” (Miller 25). This quote shows how Mrs. Putnam rationalizes her children's deaths as being the work of the Devil, rather than considering other possibilities. By blaming witchcraft, she attempts to find a reason for his grief, thus offering him some semblance of control over the situation. In addition to her personal losses, Mrs. Putnam's blame on witchcraft is fueled by her desire for revenge. She resents Rebecca Nurse, a respected and revered member of the community, who had many healthy children. Envious and bitter, Mrs. Putnam believes that supernatural powers are responsible for Rebecca's good fortune. This resentment is evident when she says, “There are wheels within wheels in this village, and fires within fires!” » (Miller 39). Here, Mrs. Putnam implies that there are hidden forces at work, implying witchcraft, which she believes is responsible for her misfortunes. His belief in supernatural powers allows him to justify his feelings of vengeance and place the blame on others. Putnam's unwavering belief in witchcraft had a significant impact on the escalation of accusations and the tragedy that followed in Salem. Her constant blaming of witchcraft encourages others to follow suit, creating a domino effect of accusations. For example, when she insists that Betty's illness is due to witchcraft, other characters also begin to suspect supernatural involvement. This is evident when Mrs. Putnam states: “I would not respond to such an accusation; I will have you examined for such an accusation! » (Miller 41). Mrs. Putnam's insistence on finding the witches to blame spreads fear and paranoia throughout the community, leading to trials and the chaos that follows. Putnam's incessant blaming of witchcraft contributes to the tragic results of The Crucible. The accusations and trials that result from his beliefs lead to wrongful executions of innocent people. Additionally, the community is torn apart, friendships broken, and trust destroyed. Miller uses the character of Mrs. Putnam to illustrate the dangers of unchecked blame and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and society as a whole. In The Crucible, Mrs. Putnam plays an important role in perpetuating the blame for witchcraft. His personal losses, his desire for revenge, and his unwavering belief in supernatural powers all contribute to his tendency to blame others. By his actions, 2016.