Authority in a society is a necessary evil which, if free, results in the abuse of power. Power has long been considered a corrupting and disruptive force in functioning and influence. Underlying motivations and greed fuel those who seek to gain and/or abuse this power. The Crucible examines this twisted force as it corrupts societies' clergy, blinds its judges, and empowers those who seek to abuse it. Arthur Miller shows how power can have a corrupting influence and how it can blind the judgment of authority figures. The most pervasive effect of power is the deprivation of judgment. Judge Danforth is blinded by his power as it makes him unjust in the proceedings of the Salem witch trials. He is also blinded by his reputation and boasts of his power by stating that "seventy-two condemned to hang with my signature" (Miller 1133). Likewise, his power and influence prevent him from hearing a defense in the witch trials, even when Giles Corey offers him an adequate defense, Danforth calls for Giles' arrest for contempt of court. Furthermore, Judges Danforth further demonstrates his incompetence by refusing to postpone the hangings of John and Rebecca while outright denying Reverend Parris' request. Danforth states that "The postponement now speaks of a disagreement on my part" this shows that Danforth's incompetence is caused by his fear of losing power and how it unconsciously influenced his actions and decisions in the proceedings of the witch trials (1158 ). As a result, Judge Hathrone also appears to be as blind as Judge Danforth. Hathrone seems to dismiss any evidence and defense presented as “contempt of the court” (1138). This shows how unfair he was in his decisions by favoring one party over another. He continues to denigrate... middle of paper... the witch trials by calling any defense against the witch trials an attempt to overthrow the court. He benefits from the legitimization of the witch trials as they would help him consolidate his power over the parish and protect his reputation in Salem. The presumptuous actions of these individuals are influenced by power and contribute to the deaths and arrests of many in Salem. The corrupting influence of power is explored in The Crucible by the actions of individuals who possess it or seek to abuse it. These individuals act for their own benefit and, in turn, destroy their community. Power acts as a catalyst in a society that is vulnerable to mass hysteria and pushes individuals to favor unjust trials for personal gain. Arthur Miller explores this message in The Crucible by showing how power destroys a society through its own members and causes the unjust deaths of many