Ebola Epidemic
a disease sweeping the nation
What is Ebola?
The First of Many
Other Info on the Ebola Virus
When- the virus dates back to hundreds of years but was only just recognized in 1976 as the Ebola Virus (CDC.gov)
How did it occur- The disease was brought over to the United States unknowingly by citizens who had recently visited West Africa
How does Ebola relate to Arthur Miller's The Crucible
"I say-I say- God is dead!" (Miller, 1094) This is a quote from John Proctor when he officially gave up hope. Because of the fact that his wife had denied his affair and he was accused by Abigail there was nothing that could save him from hanging at that point in the play. In The Crucible those who are accused lose hope because they know that unless there is a fool proof way to prove their innocence they will be hung for witchcraft. There was no way of saving them because the people of salem were so scared of witchcraft they would do anything and everything to stop it, including hanging innocent people.
"I saw George Jacobs with the devil! I saw Goody Howe with the devil!" (Miller, 1046) This shows the turning point in where the girls start blaming others because they realize their wrongdoings. This is when the community starts falling apart and turning on each other. This naming caused the town to erupt in madness, people were being hanged for merely being in the wrong place at the wrong time. People refused to believe the innocence of others because they were scared.
"I falter nothing, but I may wonder if my story will be credited in such a court. I do wonder on it, when such a steady-minded minister as you will suspicion such a woman that never lied, and cannot, and the world knows she cannot! I may falter somewhat, Mister; I am no fool" (Miller, 1063) This shows the faultiness of the court system in Salem. The court worked to please the people instead of for justice, this is why so many innocent people died.
In The Crucible once the word of witchcraft was out, everyone was a witch. This is similar to Ebola because every sick person was questioned to the fullest extent to make sure they did not have this deadly virus. Once you are diagnosed with Ebola there is little to no way that you can be treated. This is the same with witchery in Salem, once you are accused there is little you can do except confess to save yourself.
Works Cited
"Ebola Virus." Web. 9 Dec. 2014.
Elbagir, Nima, and Nima Elbagir Reported from Monrovia; Ben Brumfield Wrote from Atlanta. "Back in Liberia, Ebola Is Killing Thomas Duncan's Neighbors." CNN. Cable News Network, 1 Jan. 1970. Web. 9 Dec. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/06/health/ebola-liberia/>.
Miller, Arthur. "Online Student Edition."Online Student Edition. McGraw. Web. 9 Dec. 2014. <http://www.glencoe.com/ose/showbook.php>.
"Representing America - American Literature AP - Blog." 'Representing America - American Literature AP - Blog' Web. 9 Dec. 2014. <http://criticsandbuilders.typepad.com/amlitblog/crucible/>.
Winter, Michael. "Timeline Details Missteps with Ebola Patient Who Died." USA Today. Gannett, 18 Oct. 2014. Web. 9 Dec. 2014. <http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/10/17/ebola-duncan-congress-timeline/17456825/>.
Unknown. "Ebola Is a Highly Contagious Virus." The Guardian. 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 9 Dec. 2014. <http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/09/ebola-highly-contagious-virus-myths-outbreak-epidemic#img-1>.
Unknown. Mirror. Web. 9 Dec. 2014. <http://i3.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article3900533.ece/alternates/s615/Ebola-Virus-Graphic.jpg>.