John Proctor—The Crucible
Proctor has been described as having “a sharp and biting way with hypocrites” (19). However, he has gradually become one himself.
ABIGAIL: Give me a word, John. A soft word.
PROCTOR: No, no, Abby. That’s done with.
ABIGAIL: You come five mile to see a silly girl fly? I know you better.
PROCTOR: I come to see what mischief your uncle’s brewin’ now. Put it out of mind, Abby (21).
Proctor is married to Elizabeth and have three children. While Proctor believes that everyone should remain faithful, he himself has not been faithful to his wife and has been conducting adultery with Abigail. Abigail continues to seek for Proctor’s attention even though Proctor is trying to put an end to the relationship.
HALE: You have said that twice, sir.
PROCTOR: Aye.
ELIZABETH: Adultery, John (64).
When Hale went to Proctor and Elizabeth’s house to interrogate them about witchcraft, Proctor was asked to recite the ten commandments. Ironically, Proctor forgot the commandment on adultery. Even though he is viewed as a wise and knowledgeable man, he does not remember the most basic principles of his community.
The US Government—The Native American Treaties
When the US government decided to expand their territory, they began to make treaties with the Native American tribes. They were infamous for wording treaties in misleading manners in order to receive the signatures of the Native Americans.
An example is in Article Four of the Treaty with the Delawares.
The mode of such trials to be hereafter fixed by the wise men of the United States in Congress assembled, with the assistance of such deputies of the Delaware nation, as may be appointed to act in concert with them in adjusting this matter to their mutual liking (Treaty With the Delawares : 1778).
Although this part of the treaty states that the Delawares will be able to assist in trials, the main decisions were still made by the US Congress. The wording of this deceived the Delawares into signing this treaty as they thought they would be able to contribute and be represented. In reality, the Congress does not have to accept the Delawares’ help or ideas.
Citations
1. Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. New York, Penguin Group, 2003.
2. “Treaty With the Delawares : 1778.” Yale Law School, n.d., https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/del1778.asp.