Belonging Definition Essay

When an individual’s beliefs or values are contradicted by that of their society, they must make a choice as to whether belonging to themselves or to the group is more important. Miller explores the reactions of many characters to this dilemma, in particular Reverend Hale. Initially Hale is strongly respected and connected to the town, being described as â€Å"an expert†. He uses the metaphor of â€Å"Theology sir, is a fortress; no crack in a fortress can be accounted small†, to indicate his strong belief in the value of a theocratic society. Hale struggles to come to terms with the failings of this system as indicated by the juxtaposition of Miller’s stage direction â€Å"Hale in a fever of guilt and uncertainty† with his words â€Å"Proctor, the court is just†. This demonstrates that he was not able to instantly relinquish his connection to the Salem community, despite the moral ramifications. He loses all sense of self-respect as he encou rages Proctor to â€Å"give his lie†, which directly contradicts one of the Ten Commandments reiterated throughout the play â€Å"Thou shalt not bear false witness†. The disintegration of both Hale’s connection to the community and to God is clearly demonstrated by the contrast of Hale’s joyful analogy of his former self â€Å"I came into this village like a bridegroom to his beloved, bearing gifts of high religion†, with his new perception of his role, â€Å"I come to do the Devil’s work.† Thus by examining the character of Reverend Hale one can see how the value an individual places on being respected and connected to others and how this affects their integrity and perception of self. Whilst The Crucible presents an extreme contradiction between the values of the individual and their society, Woolf’s novel explores the relationship between the two in a less polarised way. The title character, Clarissa Dalloway, is depicted as a British socialite preparing to â€Å"throw yet another party†. Her husband Richard’s comment that â€Å"she did it genuinely; it was a natural instinct† is l ater contrasted with her comment that â€Å"Every time she gave a party she had this feeling of being something not herself†. The novel is permeated by her questioning whether this socially acceptable lifestyle was worth the lack of fulfilment and identity associated with it. This is demonstrated by her choice to marry the upper class, yet impassionate, Richard instead of consummating her relationship with Peter. However there were both social and personal reasons for this choice, as Peter â€Å"wished to know everything†, which was more than she was willing to give. Thus whilst her identity is subjugated by her husband, â€Å"This being Mrs Dalloway, not even Clarissa anymore; this being Mrs Richard Dalloway†, she does not have to share too much of herself, â€Å"she alone knew†. However, it is this choice to be connected superficially to many but deeply to none that leaves her feeling â€Å"far out, out to sea†. Thus whilst Clarissa’s choice allows her to belong to her society, ultimately it comes at the cost of a deeper personal connection. For some individuals, the dem ands of being part of a society are too great, as they place higher value upon their integrity than upon being accepted. This is the case with The Crucible’s protagonist, John Proctor, as refuses to conform to the corrupt theocracy of Salem. His perspective is emphasised by his ironic comment that he rarely attends Church – the core element of the Puritan society – because Reverend Parris â€Å"hardly ever mention[s] God anymore†. This is a choice which instantly isolates him from the community. Though he initially chooses to avoid becoming involved in the witch hunts, once the level of persecution becomes clear he swears to â€Å"fall like an ocean upon the court†. In an attempt to end the chaos he even confesses his lechery, â€Å"I have known her†, which he knew would instantly isolate him from the townspeople. Though he is by no means an unflawed man, he is depicted by Miller as having a higher moral standard, â€Å"he is a sinner†¦but against his own vision of decent conduct†. This is emphasised by his self-deprecation â€Å"I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint; I am not that man†, however he eventually comes to understand that his defiance showed courage and integrity and is able to â€Å"see some shred of goodness in John Proctor†. Thus through examining Proctor’s relationship with his society, one can see that when one rejects their society in favour of their personal values, their connection to others may be weakened, but they will retain a stronger sense of belonging to self. [Insert summary of points and conclusion here]. Thus, as Fleishman stated, it is the â€Å"dialectic of individuation and communion† that presents the ultimate challenge to belonging.