Conflicts In Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible'

McKinzie Cusipag

Ronyak

Block 2

03/08/23

Crucible Paper A crucible is defined as “a container for melting or purifying metals” or a “severe test”, and at its heart, Arthur Miller's The Crucible is the epitome of this definition. The Crucible tells the story of a severe test, not a test of skill or wit, but an even more challenging evaluation of the merit of one’s character. Furthermore, the society shown in Arthur Miller’s work acts much like a crucible in the way that the characters aim to “cleanse” or purify their community. Throughout The Crucible, a variety of characters are involved in unmitigated conflicts that truly test their morals and what they believe in. One major theme portrayed throughout the play is honesty. Living in

It’s repeatedly said throughout the play as a reminder, that “God damns all liars”, and yet, we see the majority of characters' beliefs begin to falter as they lie for their own egoistic self-preservation. Mary Warren is the most clear example of this. At one point, she begins to help Mr. Procter, to bring truth and justice to the corrupt court system. However, she eventually turns against him as soon as she falls under pressure. Instead of continuing to tell the truth, she leans into the way that Abigail accused her of witchcraft: “You’re the devil's man!” (Miller 1314) , she says to Proctor. The way that she willingly puts Proctor under suspicion, and furthermore practically sending him to his death, shows the reader the essence of her true character. She won’t stay true to herself if it leads to her own demise, and has no problem hurting others to protect herself. Contrastingly, in Act 4, John passes this “severe test” of his own

The setting plays a large role in this play, especially the fact that the entire story takes place in a Puritan society. The Puritans were a theocracy, where legalities and the church were intertwined. This is a major key in understanding why the notion of witchcraft made the town so hysterical, and they vowed to get rid of all of them, to “purify” their community. Mary Warren feels as if this is an important job, and tells Mr. Proctor about how important her role as a court official is: I must tell you, sir, I will be gone every day now. I am amazed you do not see what weighty work we do.” (Miller 1273). Mary, like many other of the girls, believed it was their duty to rid the town of the witches, despite faking all of them. As the townspeople wished to purify their community, they also wished to purify themselves. Abigail uses this as a manipulation tool, but I believe that there is a small part of her that truly desires to repent and seek God for her wrongdoings. “I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the Devil; I saw him; I wrote in his book; I go back to Jesus; I kiss His hand.” (Miller 1262) . This hysteric cries for Jesus in the book continue as the characters continue to confess to witchcraft and beg for God’s