The Crucible English/Literature Essay
In 'The Crucible', Miller poignantly illustrates the fate of Salem from both a religious and moral viewpoint. Proctor stays true to himself and his friends during the play, winning a moral victory. Hale, who changes his views on the trials as the play progresses, stands up for what he believes is a gross miscarriage of justice, as he sees the truth of what is occurring. The fact that the society is seen from both a moral and religious point of view puts reason behind the characters decisions to stay true to themselves whatever the cost. Finally, Elizabeth Proctor, although lying, still was able to stay true to herself, as her motives for doing so were perfectly innocent and good. By using many of his 'good' characters as examples, Miller is able to exploit the fact that we must stay true to what we are, what we think is right and what we believe in. Once this is done, we are able to face the consequences, however grave, with distinction and honour.John Proctor always made his views about the theocratic society, which saw moral and religious laws as one, felt, and although outspoken, he stayed true to himself, this leading to the many dramatic conflicts of the play. During the climax of 'The Crucible', Proctor is faced with a
Hale is the only character that changes in the play and with those words; he has stood up for what he believes is right, not thinking about the price he might have to pay for siding with Proctor. By illustrating a society from both a moral and religious point of view, Miller is able to show why the characters stayed true to themselves. By allowing the reader to view the community in this light, we are able to see why the characters made their decisions to go against the social norm and speak out, staying true to themselves but having to face grave consequences. Throughout the play the reader is told that she is highly respected Christian as '(Elizabeth) believes in the Gospel, every word! (Act 2), and that she is a well valued within the community as 'She cannot tell a lie' (Act 4). In some instances the play suggests you have to lie and Miller, via Hale, makes this clear 'God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride' (Act 4). From his immediate description by Miller 'loaded down with half a dozen heavy books' (Act 1), the reader is able to grasp that Hale is an academic, a rational man, who should be able to see the through the many accusations of witchcraft. Although he has sinned with her, he had the decency and integrity to confess his adultery to save his wife. When Proctor reveals his relationship with Abigail, 'How do you call Heaven? Whore! Whore!' (Act 4), Danforth immediately requests for Elizabeth to find the truth for himself. By illustrating society from both a moral and religious viewpoint, the author provides reasoning behind the characters decisions to stay true to themselves, whatever the cost. Hale, who actively changes his opinion of the trials, also stays true to himself, siding with Proctor as he realises the truth of the accusations. What Miller is actually trying to stress in 'The Crucible' however, is simply a universal warning; that mass hysteria, suspicion and insecurity, prevalent in both examples, incites and is able to cause, the demise of a community. In all the hysteria, lies, and corruption of this society, Hale, after realising the truth and standing up for it, is a symbol of humanity and hope for the future. Although Elizabeth Proctor lied, she was still able to stay true to herself as her motives for lying were completely good. Elizabeth Proctor still remained true to herself although she did in fact lie. Proctor, through his outspoken nature and completely honourable soul, remains true to himself and the community, who so highly respects him, ultimately wining an historic moral victory.
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