Miller presents the theme of empowerment in the crucible through the character Mary Warren. Miller does this using both her language and reactions.

Miller uses Mary Warren’s language to present the theme of empowerment. For example ‘I saved her life today!’ is used to snatch power form proctor. Mary Warren uses the pronoun ‘I’ to make herself closer to the statement and increase her hold on proctor which increases her status. Mary warren also uses the pronoun ‘her’ to show she does not need to refer to Elizabeth by name as she is less powerful and a lower status then Mary Warren. Before the Salem witch trials began Mary Warren was a serving girl with little power, but the trials gave her a chance to grab main stream power, so she can now stand up to the Proctors. Another way Mary Warren is empowered is that she uses hyperbolic language of ‘saved’ to inforce the idea that Proctor needs her more than she needs him. By doing this Mary Warren shows that proctor needs her. This empowers Mary warren as she now has a strong hold on Proctor and can forcing him not to whip her.

Miller presents the theme of empowerment by showing the change in status suffered by Mary Warren. For example Mary Warren starts off empowered ‘I am an official of the court’ and then loses this new found power ‘Dissatisfied, uncertain of herself’. The word ‘official’ connotes the idea of power and a high status person. This connation is reinforced by the word ‘court’ which suggests the power giving by the word ‘official’ is backed up by the law. The law at the time of the Salem witch was ruled by theocracy. Theocracy is when religion and politics mix, this suggested that Mary Warren’s power is God giving which causes her to believe she has an absolute right to a higher status. This is a stark contrast to her fall from grace. The word ‘uncertain’ is used to show that Mary Warren is rescinded her new found power and has returned to her original status. ‘Uncertain’ also connotes the idea of confusion and a low status character not sure how to behave or respond to events in the play.  The word ‘dissatisfied’ connotes the idea that she does not like her new found power and is unsure of the implications of angering Proctor. It also suggests that Mary Warren has dreamed of the power she has obtained, but now she has the power; it does not thrill her like she thought it would.

In conclusion Miller shows that empowerment can be important in the fight for equality, but in the hands of those too young to understand its implications.