How does the "The Crucible" and "The Mercies” portrayal of the themes of witchcraft,
power, and abuse using symbolic language and the character’s actions impact the ability of
the texts to comment on societal issues?
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Introduction:
Literature has long been a powerful tool for exploring and commenting on societal issues. Arthur
Miller's play "The Crucible" and Kiran Millwood Hargrave's novel "The Mercies" both delve
into themes of witchcraft, power, and abuse. By employing symbolic language and carefully
crafting the actions of their characters, these texts offer insightful commentaries on the complex
dynamics and oppressive structures that underpin these societal issues. This essay is a
comparative study that aims to examine how the symbolic language and character actions in
"The Crucible" and "The Mercies" contribute to their ability to comment on and provoke
discussions about these themes and their real-world implications.
Symbolic Language in “The Crucible”:
Arthur Miller employs symbolic language in "The Crucible" to highlight the destructive
nature of witchcraft hysteria and the manipulation of power. Through the use of various symbols
and motifs, Miller effectively conveys the depth and complexity of these themes, shedding light
on unchecked authority and the devastating consequences of false accusations.
One of the prominent symbols in the play is the witch trials themselves, which symbolize the
abuse of power and the manipulation of fear for personal gain. The trials become a vehicle
through which the characters, particularly the girls led by Abigail Williams, exploit the existing
social hierarchy to advance their own agendas. The accusations of witchcraft serve as a means to
assert control and authority over others, as well as to settle personal vendettas. This abuse of
power is demonstrated through the characters of Deputy Governor Danforth and Judge Hathorne,
who blindly adhere to the notion that the accused are guilty until proven innocent, resulting in
the destruction of innocent lives.
The character of Abigail Williams represents the embodiment of both the themes of abuse and
witchcraft. Abigail wields her power over the other girls, manipulating them into conforming to
her version of events. She takes advantage of the collective fear and paranoia of the community,
using accusations of witchcraft as a means to exact revenge and secure her position of authority.
Her actions and deceptive behaviour highlight the destructive potential of unchecked power and
the ability of a single individual to wreak havoc on an entire community.
Furthermore, the motif of darkness and light is utilized to explore the themes of abuse and
witchcraft. Darkness often symbolizes secrecy, deception, and the hidden motives of the
characters. It is during the night when the girls engage in their forbidden activities in the forest,
dancing and conjuring spirits. This darkness represents the shadowy realm of witchcraft and the
corrupting influence it has on those involved. In contrast, light represents truth, purity, and
justice. Characters like John Proctor and Reverend Hale strive to bring the truth to light,
attempting to expose the manipulative nature of the accusations and the corrupt power structures
at play.
The use of symbols in "The Crucible" extends beyond individual characters and motifs. The play
itself can be seen as a symbol for the historical events of the Salem witch trials, as well as a
commentary on the dangers of conformity and the abuse of authority in any society. The
crucible, a vessel used for intense heat and purification, serves as a metaphor for the pressure and
turmoil that the characters endure. It symbolizes the transformation and purification of their
beliefs, as well as the crucible of the trials that test their integrity and resilience.
Symbolic Language in “The Mercies”:
In "The Mercies," Kiran Millwood Hargrave masterfully employs symbolic language to explore
and portray the themes of abuse, witchcraft, and power. Through her vivid imagery and carefully
crafted metaphors, Hargrave delves into the intricate nuances of these themes, unravelling the
depths of human suffering and resilience.
Witchcraft, a central theme, is imbued with potent symbolism throughout the narrative. The
image of fire is a powerful symbol representing both the persecution of alleged witches and the
inner strength and defiance of the women. The flames that consume the accused witches reflect
the destructive power of societal prejudice and fear. Simultaneously, the fire becomes a source of
empowerment as the women embrace their own agency, their spirits aflame with resilience and
rebellion against the oppressive forces that seek to extinguish their autonomy. Hargrave's skilful
use of fire as a symbol illuminates the complexities surrounding witchcraft, highlighting its dual
nature as both a tool of destruction and a beacon of liberation. When a sudden storm claims the
lives of the men in the village, the women, led by Maren and Ursa, are left to fend for
themselves, and their collective grief and anger manifest as an uncanny force that challenges the
prevailing order.
Amidst this turmoil, abuse is a haunting presence throughout the novel in both its physical and
emotional form, and the author utilizes symbolism to emphasize its pervasive nature. The icy
landscape of Vardø, with its relentless cold and barrenness, serves as a metaphor for the
emotional and physical isolation endured by the women in the community. The biting winds and
frozen shores mirror the harshness of their lives, trapped in a society that systematically
oppresses and subjugates them. Moreover, the abusive acts perpetrated by the men in power are
symbolically represented by the predatory presence of wolves lurking in the shadows, ready to
pounce on their unsuspecting prey. Through the lens of symbolism, the raven plays a crucial role
in portraying this theme. As a creature often associated with death and darkness, the raven
becomes an embodiment of the looming malevolence faced by the women. It serves as a constant
reminder of their vulnerability and the pervasive menace they endure. Moreover, the raven can
be seen as an extension of the male gaze that seeks to control and oppress women, perpetuating
the notion of women as mysterious, dangerous beings that need to be subjugated. These recurring
motifs of coldness and predators reinforce the novel's exploration of abuse, reminding us of the
chilling reality faced by the characters.
Power dynamics, a theme that goes hand in hand with witchcraft and abuse are ingeniously
explored through symbolic language. The sea, an omnipresent force in Vardø, becomes a symbol
of the fluid nature of power. Like the tide that ebbs and flows, power constantly shifts between
individuals and institutions, leaving devastation in its wake. The stormy waves crashing against
the shores represent the tumultuous struggles for control, while the treacherous undercurrents
beneath the surface reveal the hidden machinations of power that often go unnoticed. The
recurrent motif of the sea highlights the unyielding power that engulfs both the inhabitants of
Vardø and the suffocating grip of male dominance, where the women's lives are forever shaped
by its tides. The arrival of Absalom Cornet, a fervent witch hunter, symbolizes the imposition of
external authority and religious fanaticism on the women of Vardø. Cornet's brutal methods
reflect the abuse of power, as he manipulates fear and superstition to maintain control over the
vulnerable community. The church itself becomes a symbol of patriarchal authority, its steeple
casting a shadow over the village, signifying the pervasive influence of religion in maintaining
oppressive structures.
Character in “The Crucible”:
In "The Crucible," the characters' actions play a pivotal role in the portrayal of the themes of
power, abuse, and witchcraft. The play is set against the backdrop of the Salem witch trials, and
through the characters' interactions, Arthur Miller unveils the corrosive effects of unchecked
authority and the manipulation of fear for personal gain. The character of Abigail Williams
serves as a prime example of the seductive nature of power and its potential for abuse. Her
actions are driven by a desire for control and vengeance, as she manipulates the witchcraft
hysteria to her advantage. Through deceit and manipulation, she sparks a chain reaction of
accusations, causing chaos and devastation within the community. Abigail's actions symbolize
the corrupting influence of power, highlighting the dangers of individuals who exploit their
authority for personal gain.
Moreover, the actions of Deputy Governor Danforth, the embodiment of institutional power,
highlight the extent to which power can be abused when it is not subject to accountability.
Danforth's unwavering belief in the legitimacy of the court proceedings, and his refusal to
question the validity of accusations, despite mounting evidence of innocent lives being
destroyed, illustrates how power can blind even those in authoritative positions and contribute to
the perpetuation of false accusations or hysteria. He prioritizes maintaining his authority and
reputation over the pursuit of truth and justice, leading to the wrongful condemnation of
numerous individuals.
In contrast, John Proctor's actions reflect the struggle between individual morality and societal
pressure. As he grapples with the decision to falsely confess to witchcraft and save his life or
maintain his integrity and face execution, Proctor becomes emblematic of the larger societal
dilemma faced by the accused. Despite his own flaws and sins, his refusal to falsely confess or
implicate innocent people and ultimately take a stand against the abuse of power and false
accusations demonstrates his commitment to truth and justice, even at the cost of his own life.
Proctor's refusal to conform to the societal expectations of blind submission and his ultimate
sacrifice become a powerful critique of the abuse of power and the erosion of individual agency.
His confession, "I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" encapsulates the struggle to
maintain one's integrity in the face of societal pressure and abuse of authority. These actions
serve as a critique of the unjust system and reveal the importance of personal integrity in the face
of oppressive authority and abuse of power.
Additionally, the actions of the accused girls, led by Abigail, expose the susceptibility of
vulnerable communities to manipulation by those in authority. Their pretence of possession by
witches and subsequent naming of supposed accomplices demonstrate how fear and the desire
for control can be weaponized to incriminate innocent individuals. The girls' actions reflect the
power dynamics within the society, where the powerful can exert influence over the powerless,
leading to the destruction of lives and the perversion of justice.
Likewise, in "The Mercies," the characters' actions expose the consequences of power
imbalances and abuse. Maren Magnusdatter's defiance and resilience in the face of religious
persecution challenge the patriarchal norms of her society. Her refusal to adhere to prescribed
gender roles and her connection with nature and other women become acts of resistance against a
system that seeks to suppress her power. Through Maren's actions, Hargrave emphasizes the
need for collective agency and solidarity among marginalized groups to challenge systemic
oppression and advocate for change.
Character's Actions in “The Mercies”:
In "The Mercies," the characters' actions play a vital role in portraying the themes of power,
abuse, and witchcraft. Maren and Ursula, the central characters, embody different responses to
the oppressive power structures and societal expectations they face. Maren's actions demonstrate
her resilience and defiance against patriarchal power. As accusations of witchcraft mount, she
refuses to yield to the pressure and maintains her strength and integrity. Maren's unwavering
determination to survive and protect her community portrays her as a symbol of resistance
against abuse and the misuse of power. Her actions highlight the consequences of challenging the
established norms and the strength required to combat systemic oppression.
Ursula, an outsider in Vardø, arrives with her own preconceptions about power dynamics.
However, her actions reveal a growing awareness and empathy toward the plight of the accused
women. Ursa's compassionate nature compels her to question the authority figures and seek
justice for the women of Vardø. Her willingness to challenge the existing power structures and
advocate for change showcases her as an agent of progress and a voice against abuse. Through
her actions, she illuminates the potential for outsiders and allies to disrupt oppressive systems
and effect positive transformation.
Another significant character Diina, an indigenous woman, is frequently persecuted and accused
of witchcraft because her beliefs differ from the teachings of Christianity. When a new authority
figure enters the island of Vardo, many residents who previously accepted the Sami way of life
alter their opinions. This illustrates how a group of individuals are marginalised and what fear of
authoritative officials may motivate people to do, for instance assigning blame to a more
vulnerable race, gender, or ethnic group.
Additionally, the actions of the antagonistic characters, such as Absalom Cornet, exemplify the
abuse of power within the narrative. Cornet, driven by his zealous adherence to patriarchal
authority and religious fervour, uses his position as the Commissioner to further his own agenda.
His actions are characterized by violence and cruelty, embodying the oppressive nature of
unchecked power. Cornet's abuse of authority serves as a chilling reminder of the real-life
historical context where individuals in positions of power exploited their influence to persecute
innocent people.
The collective actions of the accused women, as well as their supporters, underscore the societal
impact of witchcraft accusations and the ensuing abuse of power. These characters come together
to form a resilient community that refuses to be silenced or broken. Their unity, determination,
and acts of solidarity challenge the existing power structures and offer glimpses of hope in the
face of adversity. Through their actions, the characters in "The Mercies" shed light on the dire
consequences of unchecked power, the strength of collective resistance, and the urgent need for
justice and equality in a society plagued by witchcraft hysteria and abuse.