Personal choice is the ability to make up ones mind regarding a particular decision, moral or belief with complete autonomy and forthrightness, lacking apprehension upon their own judgement. It has been acknowledged, as a greatly significant issue, which we have perceived through various texts. "The Wave" and "The Crucible" have been two comparative texts in the sense of highlighting the concept of personal choice, however each have approached the subject-matter in a different light, more correctly through distinct techniques, in order to attain the appropriate response. "The Crucible" is a play, therefore it is a visual medium with the objective of stage performance attracting spectators, as opposed to "The Wave" where the mode of production is relying on interpretation of the written word. Thus the two texts are different mediums of production and rely on contrasted techniques, each methodology playing an important role to each aspect of both texts. For example, in the 'The Wave' the author may place emphasis on the language throughout the novel in order to gain the readers involvement. Since 'The Crucible', conceived to be performed, shows focus towards lighting, sound and costumes, consequently in the process of reading the play more reliance on the practical imagination is needed.
The setting in both texts as far as the physical environment is concerned differs somewhat, this very distinction is what creates the irony between them. The irony is evidently the fact that in 1969, California was known a democracy, where free speech and more importantly 'personal choice' was influenced, whereas the people of Salem were finding it difficult to conform to a society so greatly, so they fabricated an illusionary world. Thus, personal choice was threatened in both forms of government.
'The Crucible' set in Salem 1692 is based on the hysterical witch-hunt that generated from the confusion tha...