An Element of the Puritan Social Order : An Analysis of the themes of ‘Danger of Ideology’ and ‘Reputation and Integrity’ as reflected in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible ( 1953)

Abstract

“The Crucible” written by the author Arthur Miller holds various themes that can be analyzed individually to determine the effects of these themes on society. This study described the themes of the danger of ideology, integrity, and reputation based on the character development and characteristics in the play. These analysis of theme can be impactful regarding the determination and importance of certain factors in our daily social life. This study has been conducted regarding the issue of finding components that can affect human behavior based on social issues such as ideology, integrity, and reputation. This study has used a cultural criticism theory in order to find the relevance of the components in the daily social life of an individual. It has been found that ideology can be effective in both good and bad ways depending on its adaption. It can also pose a threat of danger in terms of improper implementation. The reputation and integrity of people are the most important factors in terms of surviving in the society. A lack of reputation or integrity can decrease the social position of a person by a significant amount. Miller has covered various social themes in his play “The Crucible” that can be important regarding the evaluation of social factors that significantly affect the social life of an individual.