The Crucible with Related Text free essay sample

Belonging can be defined as the process of the association with the human race as socially active characters. It is part of the human condition which represents the need for security, safety and acceptance. An aspect of belonging such as isolation can be associated with the concept of belonging, as not belonging is a reciprocal process of belonging. Belonging allows for the authentication of characters through the formation of identity and connections. Belonging is the human need for wellbeing, acceptance and social security. One belongs to a group, a family, a unit, and one can also be isolated from groups and rejected from communities.Through analysis of The Crucible by Arthur Miller and the feature article, A Dangerous mind offers an insight into the concept of belonging as it is presented and substantiated through the use of literary devices. In The Crucible, belonging is explored through a theme of persecution, whereby one must conform to the rules of society in order to belong. We will write a custom essay sample on The Crucible with Related Text or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The alternative is ali/enation and displacement. The central aspects of reputation and empowerment are explored through a variety of literary techniques. Miller’s use of juxtaposition highlights characters and emphasises upon their social faction. Danforth’s ultimatum, â€Å"A person is either with this court or must be courted, there is no road between† conveys the two juxtaposing positions in the society, whereby one either belongs or does not. The contrast here lies in the divide between individuality and social conformity. This is portrayed by Abigail’s calling of Proctor as the â€Å"devil’s man† who put knowledge in my heart. † clearly trying to label Proctor as an outsider, as well as the characterisation of John Proctor as a non-conformist through his desperate rejection of the labels society places upon him.He cries, â€Å"It is my name! I cannot have another in my life†¦ leave me my name! † Conveying that his name and is his individuality of which the society is attempting to strip from him. Without it, he is nothing. Proctor’s counterpart is Abigail, a girl who was characterised by her isolation and displacement from majority of Salem. She has no power, possession, belonging, or respect. She is an outcast who desires to belong as shown by Miller through the emotionally charged plea of Abigail â€Å"I am a good girl, a proper girl! She made me do it! . It is with great dramatic irony that the same child whom attains belonging by accusing others would ask Danforth â€Å"Let you beware Mr Danforth. Think you be so mighty that the power of hell may not turn your wits? † This is demonstrating both dramatic and verbal irony of her actions and the establishments of her ignorance. On the other hand Danforth is the personified symbol of rigid social bonds. He calls out to Goody Nurse â€Å"Do you know who I am? Mrs. Nurse† showcasing how his place in society calls for respect and power. His statement of oppressive power over those who belong to his address is further reflected in his parable â€Å"Hang them high over the town, who weeps for these, weeps for corruption. † Suggesting that his power holds hostage over the belonging of those who may rebel, thus showing the power of belonging in creating identities and the human need for acceptance and security. The Crucible is a reflection of how society treats those who belong and those who do not, and the community of Salem echoes the obsession with prejudgment in today’s societies, thus resulting in a characters tendency to either belong or not belong.The text that reflects these notions of belonging is the feature article, A Dangerous Mind, by Robert Wainwright and Paola Totaro. The text details the issues of Martin Bryant, a psychotic teenager whose life of rejection and isolation was ultimately resulted in the Port Arthur Massacre. A series of historical rhetorical events â€Å"enrolment at school o nly sparked a cycle of rejection and isolation†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and â€Å"Kids understood automatically that he was someone to stay away from† conveyed his inability to belong. The story utilises a juxtaposition of two periods of his life. In the past despite his isolation, he had a loving mother, a supporting father, and lastly a romantic relationship with an older woman who loved him. â€Å"Under the constant care and vigil of Maurice and Helen†¦ his years passed uneventfully. † However his family and romantic connections were separated as his parents passed away. Martin’s isolation is metaphorically described as â€Å"His loss was complete†¦ he was without a rudder and a moral compass†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . The last days before Martin committed the worst massacre in Australian history is described through the simile. â€Å"He was like a Labrador puppy†¦ always trying to impress somebody. The text strongly specifies the power of belonging and the importance of acceptance and family. Martin’s actions are not different to those of Abigail because he is a victim of conformity. As a result, he commits something terrible as revenge and as a way to draw attention to himself. These two texts have demonstrated to the responder the concept of belonging and its aspects such as isolation and not belonging through a variety of devices and techniques. These allow the responder to practically connect and enable us to satisfy the human condition of belonging.