In The Crucible Miller shows little faith in human nature, religion or social structures. Do you agree.
             Arthur Miller's The Crucible reveals to its audience a melting pot of human emotions, actions and motivations. Under this melting pot considerable heat is applied. This heat emerges from the weaknesses in human nature and the flaws inherent within the formal structures of religion and society that operated in Salem at the time. Miller's drama exposes the weaknesses and darker aspects of human nature; certain individuals are being depicted as those concerned purely with self interest while others, in the mechanism of self preservation, succumb and obliterate all their moral principles. In theocratic Salem, self-interest corrupts the process of justice, and religion is used as a tool for the acting out of every hateful urge under the cover of righteousness. Although a glimmer of hope may be seen through the undying faith, goodness, and desire for truth of certain characters, it is insufficient to outweigh the malevolence and the audience is left feeling that all faith is lost and evil may well be triumphant.
             Little faith is shown in human nature as various characters indulged in acts of self interest with little or without any moral restraints. Ruthless and vindictive, Abigail's motivations never seem more complex than simple jealousy and a desire to have revenge on Elizabeth Proctor. Moving away from defense, Abigail actively attacks Elizabeth and many others with the accusation of witchcraft. As Proctor simply and righteous puts, Abigail is driven by the pure determination of a "whore's vengeance". Similarly for the Putnams, they falsely accuse the blameless Rebecca Nurse of witchcraft, thereby eliminating their arch rivalry in wealth and power and satisfying their need for revenge. Certainly, Abigail and the Putnams exemplify the opportunistic nature of human beings and the potential f...