The Salem Witch Trials In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

The story of The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, discusses the Salem Witch Trial of 1692 in which innocent people were falsely accused of witchcraft. Through the many trials that occurred in the small time of Salem we see where this crisis changed people and their relationships with others in both positive and negative ways. With their relationship hanging on by a thread, Elizabeth and John Proctor were faced with challenges through the trials that brought them closer and eventually rekindled their relationship. Originally, John and Elizabeth’s relationship was broken, meaning there was a lack of communication, a lost of trust, and a situation concerning adultery. Because Salem was so small, word got around fast in the little town that Abigail,

But I will cut off my hand before I ever reach for you again…” (Miller 23). Abigail is very sly and often in time is the cause of bad incidents that occur in Salem. Elizabeth knew this about Abigail, but she also detected John’s suspicious movements lately. Elizabeth questions, “What keeps you so late? It’s almost dark.” (Miller 49). One night Proctor came home at an unusual late time and Elizabeth felt as though she could not hold anything in anymore, so she had to ask John about what was happening. John Proctor, accused of adultery, knew that in order to keep his dear wife Elizabeth, he would have to completely confess to his wrongdoing and try his best to gain her trust back. Proctor suggests, “If the crop is good I’ll buy George Jacob’s heifer. How would that please you?” (Miller 50). John

I feel as though this incident caused Proctor to realize how much Elizabeth meant to him and he was willing to fight for her. After evaluating the situation, proctor realized that Abigail set Elizabeth up and Proctor explained to Hale, who had come to warn the Proctors, that Elizabeth did not commit any crime. Proctor declares, “We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law! This warrent’s vengeance! I’ll not give my wife to vengeance!” (Miller 77). Proctor confesses that he refuses to get revenge on his wife and he was relentless about proving that she is innocent. As Elizabeth is being taken away, proctor promises her that he will not allow the court to beat him like they did the rest and he shall not waive. John demands, “I will fall like an ocean on that court! Fear nothing Elizabeth. “ (Miller 78). Wanting to be sure that Elizabeth does not lose her hope, he encourages her; for he knows that she is hopeful for both their relationship and the situation in Salem. As Proctor ponders about what he should do, he realizes that he has to get Mary Warren to tell on Abigail because her witness is the only thing that may give Elizabeth a chance to be free. As Mary Warren weeps in fear, Proctor aggressively commands, “Good. Then her saintliness is done with. We