Psychoanalysis In Arthur Miller's The Crucible

According to the Freudian model of the psyche, psychoanalysis is a systematic structure of theories concerning the relation of the conscious mind and the unconscious mind by examining psychological process such as impulses, anxieties and internal conflicts. This model consists of three subcategories; the id, the ego, and the super-ego, all of which are evident in Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible. The id focuses on a person’s desires without any correlation to the conscience, much like that of Abigail William’s lust for John Proctor. The ego identifies the part of a person’s personality responsible for dealing with reality, such as John coming to the realization that he must remain an upright and honest man. The super-ego represents a repository of socially

Abigail is clearly the villain of the story, as she is selfish, vengeful, and manipulative. She feels no remorse for her actions. whereas Elizabeth tends to act more in a socially acceptable manner, and feels some sort of guilt for trying to cover and protect her husband. But it is John who carries the fatal flaw; his affair with Abigail. Near the end of the play, John signs a confession that he consorted with the devil, but he eventually tears it up because he realizes that his integrity is more important than keeping a good name. He publicly confesses and allies himself with others who refuse to confess. John came to realize that had he confessed to save his life, those who refused to confess would look even more guilty to the court. John says, “ I have three children – how may I teach them to walk like men in the world, and I sold my friends?” (CITE – Act IV) So, in the end, John’s ego gets in the way of his integrity as he sets a good example and protects other townspeople as he goes to the gallows. Ultimately, it was John’s own ego that led him to his death; death by