Final answer:
Intolerance and fear are interconnected themes in 'The Crucible', where characters display intolerance towards anyone who deviates from societal norms due to their fear of witchcraft. This fear-driven intolerance fuels the plot of the play.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the play The Crucible, intolerance and fear are interconnected themes that drive the plot. Intolerance is displayed through the rigid religious beliefs of the Puritan society and the witch trials that ensue, while fear is the underlying motivation behind this intolerance. The characters in the play exhibit intolerance towards anyone who deviates from the strict social and religious norms, and their fear of the supposed presence of witches fuels this intolerance.
For example, the character of Reverend Parris is intolerant of those who question his authority and religion, and his fear of losing his reputation and position in the community drives him to support the witch trials. Similarly, the fear of being accused of witchcraft leads characters like Abigail Williams to accuse others, and the fear of being labeled a witch makes many characters conform to the societal expectations and denounce innocent individuals.
The connection between intolerance and fear in The Crucible demonstrates how fear can manipulate people's beliefs and actions, leading to a dangerous environment of suspicion and persecution.
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