In his autobiography Timebends, Arthur Miller writes that "the real story" of the Salem witch trials is to be found in "the breaking of charity" within a human community. Write a brief essay explaning what you think Miller means by this interesting statement, and suuport your opinion with evidence from the text. Conclude your essay with your reflection on whether "the breaking of charity" could destory a community today.
To analyze and understand Arthur Miller's statement about "the breaking of charity" in his autobiography, Timebends, it is necessary to examine its context and explore evidence from the text. In this statement, Miller refers to the underlying cause of the Salem witch trials, arguing that it was not about witchcraft itself but rather the breakdown of human compassion and social bonds within a community.
The term "breaking of charity" alludes to the collapse of trust, empathy, and cooperation that characterized the community during the witch trials. This breakdown is evident from the way neighbors turned against each other, accusations were made based on suspicions and personal grudges, and individuals betrayed their fellow townspeople for personal gain or to save themselves from accusations of witchcraft.
Miller's play, "The Crucible," which was inspired by the Salem witch trials, explores this theme in great depth. He highlights the corrosive effect of fear and suspicion on the community, showing how it created an atmosphere of paranoia and mistrust. As the witch trials progressed, a pervasive sense of hysteria took hold, and people became willing to sacrifice their neighbors' lives for their own survival or out of misguided righteousness.
One of the key characters, John Proctor, embodies the struggle against the breaking of charity. He attempts to stand up against the false accusations, the manipulation of justice, and the prevailing hysteria. Proctor's words, "Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life," reflect his commitment to personal integrity and his refusal to let fear destroy his community.
Reflecting on Miller's statement, it becomes apparent that the breaking of charity is not limited to the context of the Salem witch trials. It is a universal concept that can apply to any community in any era. Although the form and specifics of such destruction may differ, the consequences remain similar.
In contemporary society, one need not look far to find examples of the breaking of charity. Instances of cyberbullying, political polarization, and social divisions demonstrate how the erosion of empathy and compassion within a community can lead to destructive consequences. When individuals prioritize their own interests above the well-being of others, the community suffers, fragmenting into smaller factions that struggle to find common ground.
The breaking of charity can indeed destroy a community today, just as it did in the Salem of the 17th century. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering understanding, empathy, and mutual respect within our communities. Without these qualities, we risk descending into chaos and division, where mistrust and animosity undermine the bonds that hold us together.
In conclusion, Arthur Miller's statement about "the breaking of charity" in his autobiography Timebends highlights the core issue underlying the Salem witch trials. Miller argues that it was not witchcraft itself that destroyed the community but the breakdown of compassion and trust among the people. The play "The Crucible" further examines this theme and demonstrates how the loss of charity can lead to the destruction of a community. Today, we must heed this warning and strive to build and maintain strong communities based on kindness, understanding, and empathy.
I gave you an explanation and an example of "breaking of charity."
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1344109180
Now it's your turn. What do YOU think it means? What evidence do YOU find in your text? Do YOU think "the breaking of charity" could destory a community today?