The Crucible Feminist Theory Essay - 1248 Words

Feminist theory is the advocacy of gender equality in terms of respect, opportunities and social rights. The Crucible by Arthur Miller represents the conventional feminist gender struggle, through the medium of an androcentric patriarchal society built on the ideals of religion. In Salem, woman are portrayed as the lower class of society, patronised by men such as Proctor â€Å"I am looking for you more often than my cows! comparing Mary to a farm animal is indicative of their perceived place. Furthermore, the violent way the men within Salem converse with woman â€Å"You will confess yourself or I will whip you to death, Tituba! demonstrates the lack of impartiality and feelings that theyhave on a woman’s fundamental rights. Miller’s use of†¦show more content†¦Through the characterization of Abigail’s Machiavellian nature, playing her uncle for a fool and using lies and her deceit to achieve power, Miller enables the reader to draw a direct feministi c comparison between her and the powerless woman in The Crucible. The use of adultery and its connection to humiliation and lack of respect allows for a greater representation of Elizabeth’s and Proctor’s relationship with respect to Abigail. Elizabeth is victimised as she finds herself stumbling through her husband’s evident adultery â€Å"(Abigail) charge lechery on you, Mr. Proctor! and his reprimands â€Å"Enough†¦ Elizabeth! â€Å"I’ll whip you†. Submissive to his anger and with her own â€Å"She’d dare not call out such a farmer’s wife!† Elizabeth understands that it is Abigail who has driven a wedge between her and Proctor’s marriage. As a result, her situation contrives sympathy, a reaction that is similar to the highly respected Rebecca Nurse who Hale has â€Å"heard of your giving great charities†. Nurse, as a direct result of Abigail’s machinations is thrown in jail, labelled a â€Å"witc h†. The helplessness of these woman is directly attributable Abigail’s lust for influence and recognition and represents the power imbalance between the woman of Salem. Marxism is a theory that analyses social hierarchy and class struggle though the proletariats (lower class) and theShow MoreRelatedFeminist Approach to Witchcraft; Case Study: Millers the Crucible6554 Words   |  27 PagesMillers The Crucible: A Feminist Reading Author(s): Wendy Schissel Publication Details: Modern Drama 37.3 (Fall 1994): p461-473. Source: Drama Criticism. Vol. 31. Detroit: Gale. From Literature Resource Center. 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