The dictionary defines a crucible as a place or occasion of severe tests or trials. During the late seventeenth century, many places around the world began to have an increased fear of the supernatural. Witch trials sparked by these fears brought great pressure upon all involved. In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, the people of Salem were placed under a lot of pressure as the witch trials were occurring. With pressure mounting, three men from the story each struggled in a different manner; Parris becoming fearful and cowardly, Hale undergoing a change in character, and Proctor taking a stand for what he believed to be right. Through the entire story, Reverend Parris is under a great deal of pressure and does not deal with it well. From the beginning …show more content…
Whilst trying to prove Abigail and the other girls were pretending, John confesses, “I have known her [Abigail], sir” (3.110). The fact that he is willing to confess such a heavy sin for this purpose is a huge deal. He willingly, albeit reluctantly, soils his name and reputation to bring the truth to light. In the end, Proctor refuses to give a false confession that would condemn the others who were falsely accused. He decided what he felt was right and refused to stray from it. His decision, along with those of others who did the same, eventually brought the chaos and hysteria to an end. John Proctor held firmly to what he believed was right, even in the face of great pressure.
The pressure of the Salem witch trials elicited various responses from three of the characters in The Crucible; Parris fell victim to fear, Hale took on an entirely different worldview, and Proctor established himself as one who would stand for the truth. The ways these men reacted show us that pressure does not affect everyone in the same way. Some emerge stronger because of it, while others are destroyed. Arthur Miller has shown the readers a lot about the variances in human nature through The