Addressing Emotions with Revenge and Retaliation in The Crucible, a Play by Arthur Miller

Addressing Emotions with Revenge and Retaliation in The Crucible, a Play by Arthur Miller Revenge and Retaliation Spite, revenge and curiosity can all be deadly sins. Unfortunately, The Crucible’s Ann Putnam gives up her soul to all three. In the Puritan community of Salem, Massachusetts, such contemptuous actions can create complications. Goody Putnam is described as â€Å" a twisted soul of forty-five, a death-ridden woman, haunted by dreams, â€Å" (Miller 1.152-153). Her tangled past motivates her to reach out to the deceased, paving the way for the detestable witch trials. In 1692, there could be no greater perturbation than being controlled by the devil. Ann Putnam is the root of this delirium implanted in Salem citizens. She sends Ruth to conjure up spirits and continues to proclaim the infection of witchcraft, which only energizes the hysteria. Suspicion takes over Ann’s conscience after seven of her children are born with pale faces and no heartbeat. Answers are desired, with desperation to know why such tragic events have been occurring. Goody Putnam comes up with a specious conclusion, that a person has been conspiring with devil to rid Ann of her children. In attempts to reach closure, Ann sends her daughter, Ruth, to summon the spirits of her dead children. This is done in hopes to apprehend the person who has been exterminating her children. She admits to doing this, justifying it by saying, â€Å"Reverend Parris, I have laid seven babies unbaptized in the earth, â€Å" (Miller 1.214-215). She uses this as an excuse for the many problems that she will soon be causing. As a Puritan, having children that are not baptized is basically deemed as a sin itself. With these words, although, she creates a whole other issue. After sending Ruth to communicate with her babies, Ruth became exceedingly ill. Naturally, Mrs. Putnam decides to tell several people that she would â€Å" not call it sick; the Devil’s touch is heavier than sick. It’s death, y’know, it’s death drivin’ into them, forked and hoofed, â€Å" (Miller 1.180-183). By stating this, Ann Putnam becomes the first person to declare the infestation of witchcraft. With this allegation, there is an array of results. Other people are dragged into the picture, like Reverend Hale, the expert of witchcraft, and Abigail Williams, the expert of false accusations. To summarize, because of her proclamation, traumatic times are rapidly reached. It may seem as if Mrs. Putnam is innocent. After her confessions, she never continued to take part in the court or the excessive accusations. However, this does not justify for all of the other quandaries she created. For example, if she wouldn’t have proclaimed witchcraft, Abigail would not have started accusing people of working with Lucifer. Also, if she wouldn’t have suggested witchcraft, Reverend Hale would not have been dragged into the picture.The accusations resulted in the formation of the court and the massacre of numerous innocent people. The majority of the events during the Salem Witch Trials can easily be traced back to Goody Putnam, a sure sign of her guilt. Revenge and retaliation may seem like a plausible way to address emotions from prior calamities. It’s not. Miller demonstrates the fallacy of such ideas through Ann Putnam. She had the audacity to make outrageous claims based on her inability to mother healthy children. Despite the loss of so many children, Ann decides to risk Ruth in her quest for answers and revenge. As a result, she unwittingly initiated the first act of witchcraft. She initiates a series of divisive trials and senseless murders, all in the name of witchcraft. It’s clear to most that personal desires cannot come before the well-being of everyone. Sadly, this wasn’t evident to Ann Putnam. She only fractured her soul more while tearing apart the community.

Societal Issues in The Lord of the Flies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Societal Issues in The Lord of the Flies - Essay Example Right and wrong begin to fall to the wayside with the introduction of the hunt. Jack uses clay to disguise his face and trick the pigs, changing the visual representation of himself, moving further from society and rendering himself unrecognizable. Both Ralph and Jack still have some connection to the past, but Jack is moving away from it to create his own world governed by the laws of hunting and survival. Without any adults on the island, the boys must learn to govern themselves; however, problems ensue.The youngest, the least influenced by society, are the first to run away, the first to show anarchy and the breakdown of societal control. The boys give up the chance for rescue for the chance to kill. Their value system has shifted significantly. The degradation of the natural world through burning fires or killing pigs mirrors the breakdown of the boys' socialized humanity. Roger throws stones near one of the younger boys, Henry.He aims a few yards away, still following the laws of society.Civilization forces him to limit his primitive violent instincts, but these constraints no longer fetter him by the end of the novel.

Revoltionary War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Revoltionary War - Essay Example The preliminary development of British was to invade Hudson Valley, as New York was crucial place to fight. The internal clashes between British Generals gave enough time to the American forces to formulate decisive battle strategy. Along the Hudson River, American forces established their defensive camps. It is known as Bemis Heights. The standings of Americans on Hudson River were dominant as they built their camps on height. The shortage of supplies was a big problem for the British forces. The strategic positioning of American forces was the turning point of this battle. The British plan was to bring armed forces from the North Side of New York. The British commanders believed that they will not only separate New England from American Colonies but they will also take in charge of Hudson Valley. British troops led by General Burgoyne, had to take strong place on the river because their supplies were coming from that region. Americans had full control over the river due to which British were trap. The shortage of supplies created chaos among the British2. To slow down British advances, Americans designed small group of troops to attack British from different regions. Burgoyne formulated another arrangement to chuck out American forces, but Americans sooner recognized British plans. British forces waited for help from New York City but got no response. Fierce fighting took place in which British and their allies faced historic defeat. Burgoyne was left with no option except escaping from these dreadful circumstances. They were unable to flee as General Gates army encircled British forces. Burgoyne had no other option left except to surrender on 17th October, 17773. The strategic planning of Americans and their allies led to this astonishing victory. The American Commodores also had slight disagreements with their allies core commanders, but they settled sooner. The positioning on Hudson River changed the