The Crucible

I started my second book for Responsibilities for the Future. The Crucible, a book written by Arthur Miller, takes place in 1692 when people accused others of witchcraft and black magic. I read this story I think in my junior English class; therefore, I kind of already know what to expect. It is more interesting to read now because I do not think I payed very close attention to it the first time for some reason. I have read for 90-100 minutes this week while I was on the airplane, but I was still able to get through a lot of important information. It was kind of interesting to read some of the introduction (although it's very long) since it gives you a better sense of what was actually true, altered a bit, why, etc. regarding the story. I must admit, however, that I did not thoroughly read the introduction because it began to bore me. The beginning of the story takes place with Rev. Parris' daughter sick in bed with him by her side. I don't really like Rev. Parris because he seems arrogant and self-centered. He's one of those people that think people owe him something because he's "better" than everyone else. Betty (his daughter) is in bed and many people come to the room to see how she is including the following: Abigail (Rev. Parris' niece), Tituba (Parris' servant), Susanna, Mr. and Mrs. Putnam, Mercy (Putnam's servant), John Proctor (rebellious farmer), Mary Warren (Proctor's servant), Giles Corey, and Rebecca Nurse. The Putnams say that their daughter is ail in the same way that Betty is and that somebody is cursing them with witchcraft. A bit of a side note here is that Mrs. Putnam had to bury 8 of her 9 babies, so she is bit hysterical about her only child "deathly" ill. The whole community is frantic and gathered outside, so Rev. Parris decides to read them all psalms from the Bible (the only thing they can reference from). I think this shows that the community is somewhat naive and unrealistic, but I also respect them for their strong faith and beliefs in the Bible. While Rev. Parris and the Putnams go outside, Abigail shakes Betty to quit "sporting" with her since she knows nothing can be wrong with her. Mary Warren and Mercy are the ones who eventually let spill that Abigail drank blood during their dancing ritual in the woods that Rev. Parris caught them doing; this is when Betty fainted. Abigail drank blood to cast a spell on John Proctor's wife to make her die since she longs to be with her love who had been slipping around on his wife and having relations with Abigail. I can't stand John Proctor either because he reminds me of a teacher/coach I once had in high school. He thinks he's all that and a bag of chips and thinks he can run around on his wife with the girls half his age. Also, he believes himself to be truly "Christian" and a man of Christ. I guess I shouldn't be this harsh, but his cocky demeanor annoys me quite a bit. I even picture him in my head EXACTLY looking like this teacher/coach I once had. And Abigail... she's just a dumb and insecure girl that is longing for someone to love her. I don't think she means anything by it, but she is still in the wrong trying to carry out an affair with a married man. I'm at the part when it's beginning to get heated between John Proctor and Rev. Parris. It's quite funny because John lets Parris know exactly what he thinks about him, which is a true sin to speak about him in this manner within the community (even though most the community may agree with John). I guess I will see how this arguement pans out.