Theme - Religion

This presentation is based on the main theme of the 'Crucible', Religion. We have decided to cover many of the different parts of religious activity that is portrayed throughout the play. We are going to show how religion is conveyed through the languauge of the characters, their forenames and the set of the play.
The play lets us know that in 1692 Salem was run by a theocracy, which basically means that the community of Salem was run by the church, so they were exceptionally religious, well they had to be.

The language that is used in the crucible has it's origins in religion.
The people os Salem think they are the chosen ones, but this creates paranoia between them all. This society is one which is rural and deeply religious. The irony of the witch trials is that the fight against sinfullness in Salem will become more sinful and malicious than any of the actual events that occur.
The forenames of the characters, and others mentioned are taken from the bible, as was the practise in christian communities, eg, John, Elizabeth, Mary and Ezekial.
Some of the language that is used in the 'Crucible' mostly comes from religion: "Aye, sir. I pray for her."

This theme is also maintained by the setting of the play. At the very beginning of the play in Act 1 the house of Reverend Parris is described as a very obscure and narrow place. This darkness and narrowness have a connotation of Evil. It is indeed a contrast with the religion they are supposed to be applying to their lives. Furthermore, this obscure place of the shepherd reveals the kind of person he is, he is also driving off the community. This is an example of Proctor ploughing on Sundays and having not baptised his third child. However, at the end of each season there is a harvest, on which almost the whole community lives on. A good harvest, in the bible, symbolises hard-work and also a holy labour. Reverend Parris isn't the only form of misconduct in Salem, it is also due to everyone elses behaviour. The setting of Act 1 shows us Proctor's house, that although seems peaceful, (like it should, according to their religion) is not in reality. This example gives the impression that this is what is happening in every household in Salem. To finnish with this is another fact going against the religion which is the rate of unfair decisions and hangings at the court.

Amy, Anika, Mwamba, Sera and Lyndon.