Hawthorne's Depiction of the Puritans and God

Judge Hathorne's actions during the Salem witch trials made Hawthorne bitter towards the Puritans.  Hawthorne is haunted by hereditary guilt, and does not make the puritans out to be a civilized, happy people.  As he sets the mood in chapter 1, the people appear "sad" and "gray." The reader is able to give Boston a somber tone. The depressing mood is extended with the prison and its heavy oak doors. Hawthorne explains that the prison is as old as the new world, yet it appears much more weathered than any of the other buildings. Next to the prison, a rose bush is bursting with beauty. Hawthorne contrasts the rose bush with the prison. The prison is a symbol for the dependence on God, and his peoples' allegiance. The rose is a symbol for the ideals of transcendentalism. Transcendentalism is bursting with life, while religion is decrepit and dying. Hawthorne shows how he holds transcendentalism over puritan society. 

I’m very interested in knowing how much of Hawthorne’s transcendentalist views are authentic. He already has distaste for the puritans, but the transcendentalist views could be inspired from other leading writers, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Hawthorne’s depiction of Hester, as the self-reliant protagonist, was even inspired by his strong wife. There is no doubt that Hawthorne was one of the greatest transcendentalist writers, but Hawthorne uses effective realism that is not used by other writers. Hawthorne does not add an excessive amount of positivity into his writing. He is able to deal with the idea of sin and evil, and writes accordingly. 

Let's Bash the Declaration of Independence

The publication of the Declaration of Independence set a standard of freedom in the new world. Its writers argued that colonists were restricted under the tyranny of King George III. In a free nation, everyone would be able to prosper. The Declaration of Independence stated, "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." However, not all people fall under the category of "all men." 

According to the Declaration of Independence, the phrase “all men” only pertains to rich, white, land owning males. At the time, slaves were not considered people, but were merely property. Women were second class citizens, and did not qualify as a real person with "unalienable rights." The Declaration of Independence was read by dozens of nations and inspired the oppressed, all across the globe, to revolt. The colonists set an example for the world, but did not give all men liberty. Minorities of Colonial America have remained oppressed. 

Even today, the ideas established as the foundation of our country have not resonated to all corners of our society. The 50’s and 60’s were characterized by the Civil Rights Movement. This was a time that Americans had to justify social integration, biracial marriage and of segregation. Why did it take 200 years for blacks to receive equal rights in a country establish against tyranny? Today, homosexuals and sympathizers argue for gay marriage.  Arguments against gay marriage are also arguments against human rights.

In the 236 years after the publication of the Declaration of Independence, America has progressed in promoting equal rights for all. However, people are still fighting against tyranny. The writers did not have the foresight to see the impact this document would leave upon the world, but they hoped to ensure their personal freedoms. Because of their lack of foresight, the writers cannot be blamed for any unbalanced freedom happening today. America can only praise the example these men presented to the World.

Elizabeth Proctor

In The Crucible, Proctor’s decision to end his life is interesting. In death, his name is untarnished, but he leaves behind his family. He is only seen as honorable to Elizabeth and himself. Now, Elizabeth is forced to endure her troubles alone. Although Proctor’s actions were in no way selfish, seeing as his wife will go through a pregnancy, a trial and an execution, all alone, his actions do seem rash.

Where is the sympathy for your wife, John? Abigail being a whore does not make you get you off the hook. Take responsibility for your actions. You may have been a terrible husband, but look who stood by you.

During the trial, Elizabeth was there to even bail John out. Her actions were completely ironic, but where is her praise? She honorably held up her husband’s good name, and lied before the court. By stating that he did not commit adultery, Elizabeth kept John from being degraded any lower. Also, Elizabeth was forced to watch John die because he chose the honorable route. She realizes that it wouldn’t be right to take away his dignity, and save his life. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, the Salem Witch trials do not end when The Crucible closes. Elizabeth is still suspected of being a witch, and her safeguard is her pregnancy. At the time she gives birth, her shield will be gone and she will be put to death.

John and Elizabeth’s final moments are tender, compared to the time following the adultery. These moments show that Elizabeth is willing to let go, in order for John to be at peace with himself.

Power of an Individual in a Hysterical Community

      When most think of power, they apply it to society’s role models, like the president or the officials in government. Others relate power to military and the destruction caused by using powerful, dangerous weapons. But what does power really mean? In  a democratic society, we choose whom we want to be accountable for holding more power. Logically, we desire a dependable person. However, society is often let down by its elected leaders. More often than not, our leaders abuse the power they possess, and instead use the power to make life easier for themselves. 

In The Crucible, the character that demonstrates the amount of power an individual holds was Abigail. With just a few words, Abigail was able to manipulate almost everyone into believing her lies. As a result, Abigail obtained more and more power. Not only did Abigail have more power than those deemed innocent, but she also held the power to determine the fate of the lives others. Instead of being honest with her community, Abigail abused her power and carelessly threw away valuable lives for her benefit. Abigail is an example of an individual who uses power to manipulate others. Although Abigail had no tangible evidence to support her claims, the evidence against her was not as easily accepted as her accusations. Proctor challenges the court with petitions, but these petitions are fought strongly against. Accusations against people in the community would have been entirely accepted because of the hysteria at the time. Abigail's goal is to get rid of Elizabeth Proctor, and with her new found power, her desires are easily attainable.