Inhumane In The Crucible

Society has always perpetuated a firm distinction between that perceived as “good” and that of “evil.” Human nature, however, does not function in terms of absolutes such as these. As a way to attempt reconciliation between these seemingly paradoxical statements, art and literature have developed into mediums which have made the study of morality accessible. Because of this direct connection, Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible can be seen as an exploration into the human psyche. Within the drama, Miller succeeds in juxtaposing the role of the “saint” with that of the “sinner,” thus returning to the basic, human debate between righteousness and corruption. While many, if not all, of the characters display some level of this conflict, the

When he arrive in Salem, Hale enters with the confidence of a man who does not think he can do any wrong and has supreme wisdom over everyone else, “Have no fear now– we shall find him [the Devil] out if he has come among us, and I mean to crush him utterly if he has shown his face!” (37). In addition to this, the true nature of Hale’s failure to understand the complex climate of Salem at the time is made explicitly clear in the passage. He arrives with the notion that, with the help of the locals, he would eradicate any form of witchcraft quickly and with no difficulties. In this fervent desire to hunt witches, he becomes blinded by the bloodlust, so much so that he cannot fathom using critical and rational thinking in approaching the cases. John Proctor confronts Hale about this very issue when the Reverend appears at the Proctor home: “Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God’s fingers? I’ll tell you what’s walking Salem– vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now ... common vengeance writes the law! The warrant’s vengeance!” (73). In this scene, Proctor and Hale’s tumultuous relationship develops parallel to that of Hale’s own

This development of his character can be linked to the personal realization of his sins and the budding awareness of his conscience. Hale evolves from the infamous witch-hunter into a morally-driven human; therefore, he must look at his actions and realize that much of what he has done in Salem does not bear the marks of a saint. His delayed guilt from the condemnations begins to show through in his conversation with Deputy Governor Danforth in the