Theme of Patriarchal Society in the Crucible Essay Example

The Crucible by Arthur Miller offers an interesting perspective as to what it means to be part of a patriarchal society. In the town of Salem, men are predominantly in charge of governmental and political systems, excluding women's perspectives and liberties. The men of Salem are utilizing their power and dominance in court, to form and create an outcome they desire. This is evident when the women of Salem are accused of witchcraft. Trials take place in attempts to reveal evidence of the devil. These trials are being led by men who are biased to their personal beliefs and will promote any evidence that leads to witchcraft. 

After the news of possible witchcraft, the town requests that Reverend Hale come to Salem to uncover any evidence of the Devil. Abigail Williams, an authoritative young woman and niece of the town's minister, Reverend Parris, accuses Tituba of committing witchcraft.  A patriarchial society is evident when reverend Hale questions and accuses Tituba, a slave. She is the only slave in the town of Salem, so it is evident that there is a separation of power. Hale speaks to Tituba, “You will confess yourself or I will take you out and whip you to your death”. In that era, it wasn’t uncommon for someone with power to accuse a woman, especially a slave. Hale along with many others believe that Tituba has interacted with the Devil. This emphasizes the idea of a patriarchal society and how it functions based on power and wealth. It is portrayed that those who are most vulnerable are the ones tried and tested.  

Another instance in which a patriarchal society is identified is when John Proctor has an affair with his former servant, Abigail Williams. John Proctor is 30 years old and married a woman by the name of Elizabeth Proctor. Arthur Miller creates many female characters, all of which play important roles. Abigail is portrayed as one of the stronger and fierce women while someone such as Elizabeth is more soft spoken. After Elizabeth finds out about Abigail and her husbands affair, she asks John to confess himself in court, but later.