The Concept of 'The Other' in Angels in America and The Crucible

  The Concept of 'The Other' in Angels in America and The Crucible Introduction In both Mike Nichols' HBO film adaptation of Tony Kushner's play, Angels in America, and Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, the concept of 'the other' plays a significant role. 'The other' refers to those who are marginalized or excluded from the dominant group in a society. Both texts explore the consequences of being labeled as 'the other' and the ways in which individuals navigate and resist this categorization. This essay aims to analyze the portrayal of 'the other' in these texts and explore the possible meanings behind their experiences. Body 1. Social Outcasts and Marginalization Both Angels in America and The Crucible depict characters who are considered social outcasts and face various forms of marginalization. In Angels in America, the character of Roy Cohn, a powerful lawyer, is depicted as a closeted gay man who denies his own identity and perpetuates homophobic views. He represents the embodiment of societal rejection of homosexuality during the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. Similarly, in The Crucible, the character of John Proctor is ostracized due to his affair with Abigail Williams and his refusal to conform to the strict religious norms of Salem. 2. Stigmatization and Otherness In both texts, the stigmatization of 'the other' is portrayed as a means of asserting power and control over individuals who deviate from societal norms. In Angels in America, characters with AIDS are portrayed as victims of discrimination, facing prejudice and isolation from their communities. Their illness becomes a metaphor for their status as 'the other' within society. Similarly, in The Crucible, those accused of witchcraft are singled out and marginalized due to their alleged association with supernatural forces. The concept of 'witches' becomes a tool for those in power to exercise control over those they perceive as threats. 3. Resistance and Empowerment While both texts highlight the challenges faced by 'the other,' they also explore themes of resistance and empowerment. In Angels in America, characters like Prior Walter and Belize challenge societal norms by asserting their identities and refusing to be oppressed by prevailing prejudices. They find strength and resilience in their marginalized positions, ultimately reclaiming their agency. Similarly, in The Crucible, characters like John Proctor and Rebecca Nurse refuse to conform to the demands of the Salem community and uphold their integrity despite the consequences. 4. Consequences of Othering Both Angels in America and The Crucible demonstrate the destructive consequences of 'othering' individuals based on perceived differences. In Angels in America, the denial and marginalization of those with AIDS lead to increased suffering and death within the community. Similarly, in The Crucible, the witch trials result in mass hysteria, false accusations, and loss of innocent lives. These texts serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the dangers of labeling individuals as 'the other' without empathy or understanding. Conclusion The concept of 'the other' is a recurring theme in both Angels in America and The Crucible. Through their portrayal of marginalized characters, these texts explore the impact of stigmatization and exclusion on individuals and society as a whole. They also offer a critique of the mechanisms used to assert power over 'the other' and emphasize the importance of resistance and empathy. By examining these texts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding social categorization and its implications for human relationships.

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