Every society has rules governing the conduct of its members. Sometimes these take the form of laws, for example in Britain in the 21st century we circumscribe individual freedom by regulating the speed at which motorists drive their cars, or the nature of substances and the age at which individuals may or may not legally imbibe them. But
behaviour within societies is not only governed by statute, it is also shaped by conventions. The freedom of individuals to do exactly as they like is limited by what is conventionally thought of as acceptable behaviour. For example, it is not actually illegal to wear a fascist symbol, or even refuse to wash, but in many circumstances anyone doing so would risk hostility and ostracism.
In Britain, parliament makes laws that may have a controversial effect by
imposing limits on individual liberty. The law that will ban the hunting of foxes with hounds in February 2005 will make a criminal offence an activity that has gone on for hundreds of years without previous interruption. To some this is an outrage, to others a long overdue curtailment of cruelty to animals. Such legislation raises the very complex and difficult question at the heart of
The Crucible, how should we manage the relationship between the individual and his or her society? In what circumstances should we be entitled to do as we please and when and
in what circumstances should personal liberty be sacrificed ?
