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Essay / How the Seven Deadly Sins Were Used as a Sign of Anger in The Crucible by Arthur Miller,
The Crucible is a play written by Arthur Miller. The plot takes place in Salem, Massachusetts in the 169s, a time of confusion and violence. Accusations of witchcraft spread, causing shock in the city and rapid action. Instead of examining each charge in detail and believing that you are innocent until proven guilty, the court made snap decisions. As a result of these actions, the court therefore cost the lives of many innocent people and appeared foolish to onlookers by allowing their court and minds to be taken over by such manipulators. The author uses the seven deadly sins throughout the play to create suspense and conflict. Arthur Miller illustrates the deadly sin of anger in the character of John Proctor as he deals with his immense anger towards Abigail Williams and the justice system. Say no to plagiarism. Get Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original Essay John Proctor shows his anger towards Abigail by accusing her of being a witch and causing such events. He thinks it all started from the moment Parris found them in the forest, and because she was the leader during this ritual, she is to blame. Proctor believes that Abigail was never a real woman through her actions, from her actions at church to her reputation in the town. “He’s not a child. Now listen to me, sir. In the eyes of the congregation, she was kicked out of that meeting house twice this year for laughing during prayer. (Act three; line 865) In this quote, through despair and anger while trying to prove that Abigail is evil, he brings out every possible evidence to use against her. Proctor is so angry that the courthouse rejects everything he says simply because she is a child, or that every action could be due to witchcraft. Another way Proctor shows his anger is when he admits his affair with Abigail in an attempt to ruin his reputation and true identity. After keeping this a secret for months, from his wife and his town, he escapes the audience and lets slip the one piece of information that leads to his downfall at the end of the play when he is hanged for adultery. “The last night of my joy, about eight months ago. She served me at home, sir. A man may think that God sleeps, but God sees everything, I know that now. I beg you, sir, I beg you. See it as it is. My wife, my dear and good wife, took this girl soon after, sir, and put her on the high road. And being what it is, it's a piece of vanity, sir. (Act three; line 1100) This quote is Proctor's admission of the affair and he pleads for them to believe him that it is vain and useless. He knows he did wrong and only wants justice for Abigail, who has made his life hell ever since. Finally, Proctor shows his anger towards the court for allowing people to freely accuse innocent people and hang him for telling the truth. . Throughout the play, the characters may realize that the accusations made are false. They have known each defendant for years and know full well that they would never do such a thing. By the end of the story, even the people involved in the courthouse begin to realize that things don't add up. Proctor finally has enough as his wife is taken into custody and he is sentenced to death for trying to expose Abigail. Before his death he said: "I hear Lucifer's boot, I see his face.