Module C English Advanced Hsc Essay

The Crucible” a play by Arthur Miller and “The Island” a picture book by Armin Greder both illustrate the lethal impacts of authoritarian and manipulative governments and societal constructs in their establishment of injustice, corruption of power and an absence of voice for the victims of tyrannical rule. Miller uses historification by using the Salem witch-hunts to communicate a clear warning to those being driven to hysteria by McCarthy’s corruption of power. Greder utilizes “The Island” to shows us how fear of the unknown can result in detrimental societal and political impacts for people.

The Crucible is an allegory of McCarthyism, where there was great political oppression against the American people due to lack of political justice and disregard for democratic ideals. Arthur Miller portrays a similar injustice through the characters of Thomas and Goody Putnam. While justice is meant to be administered with upmost fairness and equality Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible demonstrates that this does not always happen, and in many situations the forces of injustices are exposed. The theocratic political system within Salem allows those with influence to contribute to their own self-preservation through manipulation of fear. Hyperbolical statements such as “…this man is killing neighbors for their land!” demonstrate the manipulative and selfish nature of Salem’s most ‘influential’ citizens, highlighting the irony of their supposed faith and submission to God. Goody Putnam undergoes an inequitable ploy for revenge when she blames Rebecca Nurse for the death of her children. She does this to satisfy her own jealousy and biased hatred illustrated through metaphorical accusations. “You think it God’s work you should never lose a child, nor grandchild either, and bury all but one? There are wheels within wheels in this village! And fire within fires!”

Similarly to The Crucible, The Island is a picture book which explores the concept of fear and how this emotion...