First of all, Giles is a true historical figure, and Arthur Miller chose people who actually existed to be in his play, since it is based in history. Although he changed many of the details about the characters and added some situations to create dramatic tension, the characters themselves, in one form or another, actually existed. Corey is one of those. So that is one reason he was introduced into the play.
Another reason is that he is a rather unique case; he wasn't hanged like many others. Instead, he was pressed to death with rocks, for not giving the name of the man who said Putnam was "murdering his neighbors for land." In reality, he was pressed to death for not entering a plea of guilty or not guilty to the charge of witchcraft (not entering a plea kept him from being officially charged. If charged, the state took his lands away, and he wasn't going to give up his land, which would take it from his children.) Because he met such a unique fate, it is an interesting storyline to have in the play.
Lastly, Miller makes him sort of a comic hero. His wry sarcasm, bluntness, and lovable "grumpy old man" character brings comic relief to the play. This play is so heavy that a lightening of the mood here and there is greatly appreciated. And in the end, he ends up being a fearsome example of integrity, heroically dying to protect a man's life.
No comments:
Post a Comment