Examples Of Adultery In The Crucible

Adultery can be harmful in many circumstances. Relationships can be strained, especially close ones, as lies and guilt are the foundation of affairs. Arthur Miller’s, The Crucible, follows the secret relationship between its protagonist, John Proctor, and antagonist, Abigail Williams, and highlights the effects of having an affair. The Crucible takes place in seventeenth-century Salem, Massachusetts, a strict religious community. John and his wife, Elizabeth, live on a small farm on the edge of town, while Abigail lives with her uncle, Reverend Samuel Parris, the leader of the Catholic Church. Abigail served as the Proctor’s maid for a time until she was dismissed on the suspicion that she and John were having an affair. While John and Elizabeth

As a “witch,” Abigail reveals she possesses the ability to identify other witches all over Salem. Abigail and her friends go on a rampage, accusing anyone for whom they have hatred, and witchcraft trials become extremely prevalent. The accusations made were filled with little evidence and were almost always filled with the means of revenge. Eventually, Abigail points the finger at Elizabeth, accusing her of being a witch. The Proctors know Abigail is doing this to take vengeance and be with John. Watching his wife face possible death and Abigail continuing her accusations, John finds himself in a disastrous situation that spares no one from being harmed. John Proctor wants the best for his marriage and family, but still has a profound romantic connection to Abigail that he refuses to acknowledge, showing a deep emotional rift within

He refuses to confront his guilt from his affair, which has a frustrating effect on Elizabeth. Additionally, as rumors spread around Salem during the beginning of the witch trials, Elizabeth begs John to expose Abigail of her lies before the accusations get out of hand. John hesitates and Elizabeth confronts John about his hesitation because it signifies the deeper meaning Abigail has for John. Elizabeth states, “John, if it were not Abigail that you must go hurt, would you falter now? I think not” (Miller 54). John rejecting the opportunity to call Abigail out on her lies shows the affection he still has for his affair, as he cares about what happens to Abigail if she is exposed. Elizabeth recognizes that John prioritizes Abigail’s well-being over the innocent people of Salem and more specifically their family, causing her to continue confronting John about his affair. Consequently, John naturally wants the best for his family but is constantly reminded of the inappropriate relationship he had, causing an emotional