Black Quote by Arthur Miller
“In his play depicting the Salem Witch Trials, the author illustrates profound psychological bullying. The ringleader of young girls suspected of unsavory conduct, frightens her friends into silence by warning: Now, look you; All of you. We danced. And Tituba conjured Ruth Putnam's dead sisters, and that was all. ... Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night, and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Crucible, 1953
The quote shows how fear and intimidation are used to control others, turning personal guilt into a weapon of silence.
In simple terms: Fear is used to force silence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and resist intimidation.
Themes
psychology
power
control
bullying
Mood
anxious
tense
Type
dramatic
cautionary
When to use this quote
- school
- workplace
- family
- online communities
Key Concepts
social pressure
coercion
group dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fear shape group behavior?
- When does intimidation become ineffective?
A Different Perspective
Such tactics can backfire, creating resentment and rebellion.
![“(Looking at the letter in his hand) Then what is this if it isn’t telling me? Sure, [Larry] was my son. But I think to him [the pilots killed] were all my sons. And I guess they were, I guess they were” quote by Arthur Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3e8/arthur-miller-947_killed_looking-at-the-letter-in-his-hand-then-w_55336.jpg)
