Topic > Rebecca Nurse's function in The Crucible

IndexThe symbol of righteousnessThe impact on other charactersThe tragic fate of Rebecca NurseConclusionBibliographyRebecca Nurse, a prominent character in Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, plays a crucial role in the development of plot and exploration of themes. As a respected member of the Salem community, he embodies the values ​​of honesty, morality and compassion. This essay will analyze Rebecca Nurse's function in the play, focusing on her role as a symbol of righteousness and her impact on the other characters. Through an examination of her interactions with various individuals and her ultimate fate, it becomes apparent that Rebecca Nurse serves as a moral compass and a catalyst for change in the face of injustice. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Symbol of Righteousness The character of Rebecca Nurse symbolizes righteousness and serves as a beacon of morality throughout the play. Her unwavering faith and adherence to her principles make her a respected figure in the community. In Act 1, Rebecca Nurse is introduced as the voice of reason when she tries to calm the hysteria surrounding the girls' accusations of witchcraft. He states, “Rather let us blame ourselves and […] find what is good in it” (Miller, 20). This statement highlights his belief in self-reflection and personal responsibility, in contrast to other characters' tendency to shift blame onto others. Furthermore, Rebecca's role as a symbol of righteousness is emphasized when she herself is accused of witchcraft. Despite the arrest and subsequent trial, he remains calm and refuses to make a false confession. This unwavering commitment to truth and its principles further solidifies its status as a symbol of righteousness. The audience gets the impression that Rebecca Nurse's moral integrity is unassailable, even in the face of grave adversity. Impact on Other Characters Rebecca Nurse's presence in the play has a profound impact on the other characters, forcing them to question their own beliefs and actions. A character heavily influenced by Rebecca is John Proctor. Proctor, initially skeptical of the witchcraft accusations and reluctant to get involved, becomes more involved in fighting the unfairness of the trials after Rebecca's arrest. He realizes the need to stand up for what is right, regardless of the personal consequences. In Act 2, he exclaims, "I have plowed once or twice on Sunday. I have three sons, sir, and till last year my land yielded little" (Miller, 60). This change in Proctor's attitude can be attributed to Rebecca's steadfastness in the face of the false accusations. Likewise, Reverend Hale, a highly respected authority figure, is also influenced by Rebecca Nurse. Before his arrest, he plays a leading role in the witch trials, believing he is on a righteous mission. However, as she witnesses the injustice meted out to Rebecca, she begins to question the validity of the trials and reconsiders her own role in perpetuating the hysteria. In Act 4, he declares: "I denounce these proceedings. I leave this court!" (Miller, 130). This dramatic shift in Reverend Hale's perspective is a direct result of his interactions with Rebecca Nurse, reinforcing his role as a catalyst for change. The Tragic Fate of Rebecca NurseRebecca Nurse's final fate in the play serves to highlight the tragedy and injustice of the Salem witch. tests. Despite her innocence and the overwhelming evidence in her favor, she is sentenced to death. This result underlines the irrationality and hysteria that gripped the, 1995.