An Individuals Achievement Of Self-knowledge :: essays research papers

An Individuals Achievement of Self-KnowledgeAn important theme is an individuals achievement of self-knowledge as aresult of undergoing an ordeal. As Rev. rack sits through the proceedings of thecourt in the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller, his views change drastically.When Rev. Hale first arrives in Salem, he is very objective about thewhole situation of witchery. He questions Tituba and Abigail about all theevents that occurred in the forest such as the girls spring and the frog inthe kettle. He firmly believes that witchery was involved in causing theunresponsive condition of Betty Parris. He coaxes a confession from Tituba who names others supposedly involved in consorting with the Devil. He strongly gain grounds the authority of the church to seek out and convict any unknownenemies of the Church. The Salem witchery trials began as a result. At first,only the poor and lower classes were accused, b arely soon respectable members ofthe community such as Rebecca Nurse and E lizabeth observe were charged. Halespersonal feelings tell him that they are innocent, but his Puritan backgroundprevents him from disbelieving the authority of the court.As the play progresses, Hale begins to alter his views about the trials.He suggests that John Proctor should have a lawyer, but this request is deniedby Danforth. He claims that a lawyer is not necessary because only the hellerand the witness are important. Actually, he is conveying that the court alonewill decide on the witness probity based on his own words. Hale realizes thatJohn Proctor is an honest man when he would willingly damp his own reputationin the hopes of exposing Abigail as a whore. He dead cannot believe thatthe court wont accept his testimony as the truth. Hale thinks that the childrenare irresponsible fakers. He denounces the entire proceeding and leaves.Ironically, Rev. Hale returns to Salem to encourage the accused to lie in