Topic > Examples of Superstition in the Crucible plays a crucial role in the characters' lives. Set in the Puritan society of Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, the play explores the hysteria surrounding the Salem witch trials. Superstition, defined as a belief or practice arising from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or belief in magic or chance, permeates the characters' lives, guiding their actions and shaping their beliefs. This essay will examine several examples of superstition present in The Crucible, shedding light on the profound impact it has on the characters and their society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Belief in Ghostly Evidence A prominent example of superstition in the play is the belief in ghostly evidence. Spectral evidence refers to the testimony of witnesses who claimed to have seen the spirits or apparitions of accused witches performing malevolent acts. This type of evidence was considered highly convincing by the court, despite lacking any hard evidence or scientific basis. The characters' belief in ghostly evidence demonstrates their reliance on superstition rather than reason and logic. Manipulating Superstition by Abigail Williams The character of Abigail Williams, the main instigator of the witch trials, manipulates this superstition to her advantage. He accuses innocent individuals of witchcraft, citing ghostly evidence as justification. Abigail's ability to exploit the community's superstitious beliefs reveals the power of superstition to fuel mass hysteria and irrational behavior. Belief in the Supernatural Another example of superstition in The Crucible is belief in the supernatural. Many characters, driven by fear and ignorance, attribute natural events or misfortunes to supernatural causes. For example, after Betty Parris falls into a coma-like state, her father, Reverend Parris, immediately assumes that she has been possessed by the devil. This belief in the supernatural leads to paranoia and a witch-hunt mentality among the citizens. Rituals and Superstitious Practices Furthermore, the characters in the play often resort to rituals and superstitious practices in an attempt to protect themselves from witchcraft. In the first act, Reverend Parris asks Tituba, a slave from Barbados, to reveal the name of the person responsible for placing the spell on the girls. In her desperation, Tituba confesses to being a witch and accuses others, engaging in a superstitious ritual aimed at appeasing the authorities and avoiding punishment. The superstition surrounding religious rituals and symbols The show also explores the superstition surrounding religious rituals and symbols. In the Puritan society of Salem, religious symbols such as the Bible and prayer had great meaning. However, these symbols are often misinterpreted or misused, leading to misleading actions and false accusations. For example, when Mary Warren gives Elizabeth Proctor a doll (a doll), it becomes crucial evidence against Elizabeth when a needle is found inside it. The needle is considered a sign of witchcraft, despite its innocent origins. This demonstrates how superstition can distort the meaning of symbols and lead to unfounded accusations. The influence of superstition on beliefs and perceptions Superstition in.
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