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 explaining what you think Miller means by this interesting statement, and support your opinion with evidence from The Crucible. Conclude your essay with your reflection on whether “the breaking of charity” could destroy a community today.
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To understand Arthur Miller's statement about "the breaking of charity" in the context of the Salem witch trials, let's first examine the concept of charity. In this context, charity refers to the Christian principle of love, goodwill, and neighborly kindness. Miller suggests that the Salem witch trials were not merely a supernatural event but rather a result of a fundamental breakdown in human relationships.
According to Miller, "the breaking of charity" within a human community means the complete loss of trust, empathy, and compassion among its members. In the play, The Crucible, this breakdown of charity is evident in several ways. Firstly, the central conflict in the story arises from a web of false accusations and suspicions. Fear and paranoia spread like wildfire, tearing apart the community as neighbors turn against one another. Instead of supporting and relying on each other, they become suspicious and seek to protect themselves at all costs, even at the expense of others' lives.
One example of the breaking of charity is the relationship between John Proctor and Reverend Parris. They have a strained relationship right from the start, with Parris prioritizing his reputation and self-interest over the well-being of the community. This lack of charity and mutual understanding between them contributes to the escalating chaos.
Another example is the treatment of the accused women, such as Elizabeth Proctor and Rebecca Nurse. Despite being respected members of the community, they are condemned based on false accusations and unsupported claims. This lack of charity towards the accused reflects a refusal to offer empathy or understanding.
Additionally, the manipulation and deceit practiced by characters like Abigail Williams and Thomas Putnam breed further mistrust and dismantle the community's foundations. The greed for power and personal gain damage the bonds of charity among these individuals, sowing division and suspicion.
Analyzing Miller's statement, we can see that "the breaking of charity" is not limited to the time and circumstances of the Salem witch trials. In fact, it resonates strongly with contemporary society. Today, a community can be endangered by the erosion of charity in various forms.
In modern times, the breaking of charity could manifest as a lack of empathy, the dehumanization of others, or the spread of mistrust and polarization. The focus on personal gain, self-interest, and the disregard for the well-being of others can lead to a breakdown of unity and trust within a community. We can witness this in instances of social divisions, political conflicts, or even cyberbullying, where individuals turn against each other for personal gain or out of fear and prejudice.
In conclusion, Arthur Miller's statement that "the real story" of the Salem witch trials lies in "the breaking of charity" highlights the fundamental importance of trust, empathy, and goodwill within a community. The Crucible exemplifies how the erosion of these qualities can lead to chaos, division, and the destruction of lives. This idea remains relevant today, as we observe how the breaking of charity can still threaten the stability and harmony of communities in various contexts and circumstances.