Mercy Lewis slaps Ruth Putnam in Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, due to a combination of frustration and the intense emotions surrounding the witch trials in Salem. At this point in the play, both girls are in a precarious situation, having been caught dancing in the woods and now facing the possibility of accusations of witchcraft.
Mercy’s action is driven by her need to assert some form of control and to provoke a reaction from Ruth, who seems to be in a dazed state after the events that unfolded. The slap symbolizes Mercy’s pent-up anger and fear; the pressure of the town’s hysteria is mounting, and tensions among the girls are high. Mercy wants to make sure Ruth maintains her composure and continues to support their narrative, which is crucial for their survival.
This moment also reflects the broader themes of power and manipulation in the play. Mercy’s aggression towards Ruth illustrates how fear can drive individuals to act violently against one another when their own safety is at stake. Overall, this interaction underscores the chaos and paranoia that define the atmosphere of Salem during the witch trials.