DOGMATISM Makayle Botts and Kaitlin Graves This picture

DOGMATISM Makayle Botts and Kaitlin Graves

This picture illustrates dogmatism because the Mother’s argument is that she is always right, no matter the situation.

DEFINITION Dogmatism: positiveness in assertion of opinion especially when unwarranted or arrogant.

UNIVERSAL IDEA Regina George is known as a “mean girl” who is right no matter what the case is. Her strong ideas and bossy personality make others aspire to be like her.

EXAMPLES FROM THE CRUCIBLE • “Reverend Parris, I have laid seven babies unbaptized in the earth. Believe me, sir, you never saw more hearty babies born. ” “They were murdered, Mr. Parris! And mark this proof! Last night my Ruth were ever so close to their little spirits; I know it, sir. For how else is she struck dumb now except some power of darkness would stop her mouth? It is a marvelous sign, Mr. Parris!” (Act 1, p. 173) • This quote was said by Goody Ann Putnam, she believes that since all of these babies didn’t live long lives, witchcraft is the cause. Although she has no proof, she has her heart set that this is the way, and there is no other explanation. Dogmatism is saying something without proof, this is exactly what Mrs. Putnam is doing whenever she calls Rebeca Nurse out for the deaths of seven of her children.

MORE EXAMPLES FROM THE CRUCIBLE • “If you think that I am one, then I say there are none. ” (Act 2, p. 201) • Elizabeth Proctor is being accused of being a witch, her argument here is that if she is being convicted of being a witch then there is no way there are witches in Salem. Elizabeth is pleading that she’s the farthest thing from a witch in their village, in a “matter of fact” manner.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE FROM THE CRUCIBLE • “But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there is no road between. ” (Act 3, p. 213) • Danforth is telling Giles that it’s his way or the highway. Either you’re with the court or against it and there’s no other choice in between.

CITATIONS • Book: Arthur, Miller. The Crucible. New York: Penguin Group, 1953. Print. • Picture: Watts, Lauren. Because I said so! 11 Feb. 2013. MNR Creations. Canadian Moms Online. Web. 18 Apr. 2014. • Definition: “Dogmatism” Def. 1. Merriam Webster Online, n. d. Web. 18 Apr. 2014. • Universal Idea: Bethell, Abbie. Stop Trying to Make Fetch Happen. n. d. Tumblr. Pop. Wrapped. Web. 18 Apr. 2014.