1692 Salem Witch Trials In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

In Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible the events of the 1692 Salem witch trials are shown. Miller’s play follows the town of Salem as they endure the wildest trials of the colonial era. The protagonist is John Proctor a Puritan farmer who unknowingly starts these trials. The events that occur led to the death of dozens of townsfolk and eventually the death of John Proctor. Proctor is shown to be a noble man who makes the ultimate sacrifice to save his family reputation.
The play begins with girls and a slave, Tituba, dancing in the forest practicing witchcraft and the local reverend, Parris, walking in on them. Parris questions Abigail and she claims it was only dancing, Parris is suspicious but believes his niece. Abigail warns the other

While Proctor was being investigated he witnessed Rebecca Nurse, one of the most wholesome people in Salem, be convicted of murder. Rebecca knows she is innocent but is convicted anyway because of an accusation. Rebecca says after she was sentenced to hang, “Let you fear nothing! Another judgement waits us all!” (The Crucible, p886). Proctor and Rebecca are in the same situation, both of them are convicted and sentenced to death for something the did not do. Rebecca also knows that she will be judged by God and will be seen as a good person free of sin even if she is seen as a bad person by her peers. Proctor and Rebecca go to their hangings with confidence because they know that they will be safe in the afterlife. While Proctor was being investigated he heard about Giles Corey’s situation. The decision Giles Corey made deeply impacted Proctor. Proctor was worried about the consequences he would face for his sins causing him to be selfish and in his mind he thought about how to survive instead of what the price of living meant. Corey was thinking about his family's future and how they would be affected by whatever decision he made. Corey made a choice, “ He were not hanged. He would not answer aye or nay to his indictment; for if he denied the charge they’d hang him surely and auction out his property”( p 883). This showed Proctor something important, that the wellness of his family and legacy were more important than himself. “Spite is what keeps me silent. It's hard to give a lie to the dogs, I would have your forgiveness Elizabeth.” (page 883). Proctor wanted his wife to look at him in a better light and let him die to save his family reputation for future