Topic > Analysis of Thomas Putnam's character in "The Crucible"

IndexPutnam's greed and ambitionThe impact of Putnam's actionsPutnam's relationship with other charactersConclusionThomas Putnam is a complex and intriguing character in Arthur Miller's work "The Crucible". Throughout the text, his character traits are revealed through his actions, dialogue, and interactions with other characters. This essay will analyze the character of Thomas Putnam, exploring his motivations, his role in the Salem witch trials, and the implications of his actions. By examining Putnam's character traits and their impact on the events of the play, we can better understand the themes and messages conveyed by Miller. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Putnam's Greed and Ambition One of Thomas Putnam's key character traits is his greed and ambition. Putnam is portrayed as a rich and powerful man, seeking to increase his influence and wealth at any cost. This is evident in his relentless pursuit of land and property, as well as his involvement in the witch trials. Putnam exploits the hysteria surrounding the witch trials to settle personal scores and gain more power in the community. For example, he encourages his daughter to accuse others of witchcraft in order to take over their lands. This shows Putnam's character as manipulative and willing to exploit the community's fears and superstitions for his own gain. Furthermore, Putnam's greed and ambition also contribute to the escalation of the witch trials. He uses his wealth and influence to manipulate court proceedings, ensuring that those accused of witchcraft are convicted. By doing so, Putnam is able to acquire more land and property from convicted people. This highlights his ruthlessness and lack of moral conscience, as he is willing to sacrifice innocent lives for personal gain. The Impact of Putnam's Actions Putnam's character traits and actions have a significant impact on the events of the play. His greed and ambition fuel the hysteria surrounding the witch trials, leading to the false accusations and executions of numerous innocent individuals. Putnam's manipulation of court proceedings ensures that those he wants to eliminate are convicted, further contributing to the chaos and injustice of the trials. Furthermore, Putnam's actions also have a negative effect on the community as a whole. The witch trials tear the community apart, creating a climate of fear and suspicion. Families are torn apart, friendships destroyed and trust is shattered. Putnam's role in exacerbating this division and mistrust highlights the destructive power of greed and ambition. Putnam's Relationship with the Other Characters Thomas Putnam's character traits are also evident in his relationships with the other characters in the play. His interactions with Reverend Parris, for example, demonstrate his opportunistic nature. Putnam uses Parris' position and influence to further his own ends, manipulating him to support the witch trials and accuse innocent individuals. Additionally, Putnam's relationship with his wife, Ann Putnam, reveals his desire for power and control. Ann is portrayed as a tormented and grieving woman, who believes she has lost several children to supernatural causes. Putnam takes advantage of her vulnerability, encouraging her to accuse others of witchcraft and seeking revenge for their perceived wrongdoings. This dynamic showcases Putnam's manipulation and willingness to exploit the vulnerability of others for personal gain. Conclusion The character traits of greed, ambition and manipulation."