Saraswathy S, II M.A. ENGLISH, Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College

This paper highlights the theme of gender, power and oppression in the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller; it is set in 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts, a dramatic allegory of the Salem witch trials. The act of accusing the people of Salem of witches, especially female characters like Rebecca Nurse, Elizabeth Proctor and Tituba, through which the theme of gender can be analysed. The Salem society is governed by strict patriarchal rules where women are expected to remain obedient and subservient to the male figures. This witch trial can be seen as a symbol of gendered violence, the fear of women’s agency, independence and nonconformity to the institutional authority. This trial can be seen as a way to exclude the women who challenge the social norm.

Both individual and institutional power play a major role in this play; the theocratic religious system of Salem gives authority to religious leaders like Reverend Parris, Judge Danforth, etc. This authority is unquestionable, and the public has to abide by the law of the court. Abigail and other accusers gain temporary power through the manipulation of the trials.

Oppression in the play can be seen through how the fear of witchcraft spread throughout the community, which has led to mass hysteria. People are forced to confess to save their lives, and there are characters who have refused to confess, and the cost of it is their death.

Keywords: gender, witchcraft, power, oppression, hysteria.