The "Weights" of the World: A Central Motif in 'The Crucible' Evan Kade Bridges 12th Grade

Arthur Miller confronts the “weight of truth," "weight of authority," and the "weight of law" in The Crucible. This play expresses the different complications that come along with having to bear each "weight." Many characters in the play conform to the demands of the church by accepting their accusations of being witches; however, Miller demonstrates both sides of this conflict by having some characters refuse to submit to the church which ultimately leads to them being put to death by the "weight of law." This act of bravery demonstrated by few characters expresses the difficulty that comes along with agreeing to lies and going against one’s personal values and beliefs. The characters in the play were all weighed down by something. Some people experienced much more weight than others. Some people were even crushed. Every character in the story experienced one or more of these "weights, " and each would eventually succumb to one of these "weights of the world."

Throughout the play, Miller uses the word weight figuratively numerous times. One of the clearest instances when Miller does this is when Mr. Hale arrives. Hale carries six books: Hale: Pray you, someone take these! Parris, delighted: Mr. Hale! Oh! It’s good to see you...