Part 1V Task Essay, Research Paper

Part IV Task

The quote, “Our problems are manmade: therefore, they may be solved by man? No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings.” by President John F. Kennedy, holds truth. In other words, we create our own problems and make our own choices on how to solve them, in turn, controlling our own destiny. This quote is proven in the play The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, and in the novel The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

The Crucible by Arthur Miller uses irony and theme to support the quote. A major theme was jealousy, produced from Abigail. She was envious of Elizabeth’s marriage to John Proctor. In order to solve her problem she chose to accuse Elizabeth of witchcraft, hoping Elizabeth would be tried and executed.

Irony was put into play when John told the court that Elizabeth never lies, always telling the truth no matter how consequential it can be. When a judge asked Elizabeth if her husband actually committed adultery with Abigail she fabricated her first lie, to protect her husband from shame. This lie concluded Abigail as the truthful one, not confirming her husband’s position at all. Elizabeth went against her beliefs to solve a hurried problem that did not allow her to solve it in the manner she wished.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne uses characterization and irony. The story line portrays strong characterization within the physician. He devotes all of his time into finding out who had an affair with his wife. Once he discovers whom it is, he is not satisfied, and continues to taunt this man in order to make another life miserable. After a confession was finally declared, the sole purpose of the physician’s life diminished, which eventually killed him. At any duration, the doctor could have accepted the truth and moved on with his life, yet he refused to.

The Scarlet Letter worn on Hester’s chest was a symbol of one who sinned. Hester was looked down upon from others and constantly worried about the glance she received from people. She let that affect her way of life. Finally she took her problem into her own hands accepted the badge as a part of her, her courageous self. This also ironically becomes a safe way for her daughter to recognize her mother by.

The quote by John F. Kennedy is accurate as proven in the play The Crucible and the novel The Scarlet Letter. We create our own problems, controlling our own destiny, through our own choices.