The characters in The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, and Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, strive to achieve true individual freedom.
Personal freedom is an attribute searched for by the characters in The Crucible. For example, John Proctor notices while talking to Reverend Parris that," There are many others who stay away from church these days, because you hardly ever mention God any more."(925). Proctor shows his disappointment freely to Parris of the reasons for not attending church on the Sabbath. For more reasons than one, it is understandable that Proctor is disappointed in Parris" actions as well as his accusations. In addition, during a conversation with Hale, Proctor contemplates, "Why [does he] never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now?"(953). At this point Proctor is merely trying to reason with Hale to reconsider the logic used to prosecute him and the others. Hale, although tenacious, reconciles the judgment made upon Proctor, but at that late of a time, it was too late to save him without the loss of his dignity. Furthermore, Danforth questions Parris about which of the accused should be saved by God, "-which of these in your opinion may be brought to God? I myself will strive with them till dawn!"(984). This statement shows Danforth's ability to be compassionate, but also emphasizes his inability to choose between life and death upon such a touchy subject. There is much confusion about how, a man such as, Danforth could bring it upon himself to make such a decision. From these statements, one can conclude that these characters strove for individual freedom and they show the injustices made upon those who strive for it.
The characters in Fahrenheit 451 strive to achieve individual freedom. For instance, Lieutenant Beatty explains to Guy Montag that, " with school turning out more runners, jumpers, racers, tinkerers, grabbers, snatchers, fliers and swimmers instead of examiners, critics, knowers, and imaginative creators, the word "intellectual" became the swear word it deserved to be.
