When analyzing the character of Giles Corey in The Crucible, it is probable that the reader portrays him as a comical hero on the surface. However, the perception of Giles Corey that Arthur Miller, the author, wants the reader to realize goes a lot further than being just a comical hero. Throughout the play, the changes and development of Giles Corey are displayed through both his actions and his words. Upon closer examination of these actions, it is without a doubt that Giles Corey can be defined as a dynamic character. When Giles said, “More weight” (Miller 1227) , he revealed how he changed from someone who is outspoken and foolish in the beginning to someone who becomes a tragic hero by defending his family and friends. He accomplished …show more content…
This behavior could be credited to his inquisitive nature. Arthur Miller introduced Giles by stating ,”He is knotted with muscle, canny, inquisitive, and still powerful” (Miller 1141). When this outspokenness is paired with his mindless speaking, the unintended consequences that occurred were quite serious due to the fact of the mass witchcraft hysteria going on in Salem at the time. A glaring example of one of the unintended consequences as a result of Giles’ foolish speaking can be revealed in act I when Giles states, “It discomfits me! Last night—mark this—I tried and tried and could not say my prayers. And then she close her book and walks out of the house, and suddenly—mark this—I could pray again”(Miller 1151). This quote reveals his foolish speaking because, at the time, he failed to mention that he was still learning his prayers. Sadly, it was too late and and his wife, Martha Corey, was arrested on the charge of witchcraft. Giles was shocked that this had transpired from his statements. It was clear that his intent was not to get his wife in trouble. He quickly realized that it wasn’t his words that got his wife in trouble, but the ignorance of the