Both texts demonstrate how moral goodness and social
responsibility can prevail even during times of crisis. Discuss.
Geraldine Brooks’ ‘Year of Wonders’ (2001) and Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’ (1953) both portray
the complex and often times afflicting decisions that individuals must make during times of crisis.
Where a single decision is paramount and morals are challenged in the face of social
responsibility. In the midst of the fallacious hangings of the Salem Witch Trials and the tragic
deaths encompassing the disease ridden village of Eyam, the contrasting elements of moral
goodness and social responsibility are made painfully evident when characters are forced to
distinguish between morality and liability. Both of which appear in varying degrees and
combinations in an array of characters from both Year of Wonders and The Crucible.“
Emphasis on moral goodness can often be detrimental to one’s own sense of social responsibility.
Both John Proctor and Michael Mompellion struggled with their own sense of morality and in
doing so made them a possible subject of victimisation and blame. The hysteria surrounding
Salem caused Proctor to step up and ultimately cemented his need to ensure his own moral
goodness, regardless of the cost. Proctor’s urgency in satisfying his own moral compass was
constantly tested by the solid and unyielding force of the theocracy that fuelled the protestant
power. In which case, the morals that John Proctor was set on following was not by the standards
of the society, but by his own set of moral terms. Under the duress of the governing forces of
Salem, Proctor still insisted that ‘it [was] enough’ and that he would not allow Danforth and Parris
to ‘use him’ to further fuel their theocratic reign. Miller uses this example of Proctor to
demonstrate the internal struggle that might come with choosing between a clear conscious or
the greater good. This is also reflected in ‘Year of Wonders’ through Eyam’s own rector who is
described to be living with his own battle of morality everyday. Michael believes that he was
helping his wife Elinor ‘atone for a life’, ensuring that ‘her penance might weigh in’ and most
importantly ‘balance to equal her sin’. Michael fuels his own self emphasised moral cause despite
what is traditionally considered socially acceptable. The secrecy implemented implies Michael
was aware that his extreme actions would warrant some sort of negative reaction from the general
public. This is therefore a testament to his own determination in staying true to his own idea of
