The Crucible, Arthur Miller

One of mankind’s greatest challenges is to stand up and defend what it knows is right in the face of opposition. Amongst all the lying and self-deceit in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, Elizabeth Proctor is able to carry out this noble deed and becomes a fighter against the injustice of the Salem witch-hunt. In comparison to the other characters, Elizabeth has a minor part in the play. However her role in the witch-hunt was a pivotal one. The consequences of her actions speak louder than any words ever will. She never conspires against anyone and she thinks the whole witch-hunt is a scandal from the beginning. She stood up for what she knows is right and she never betrays herself.

Goody Proctor first shows her discontent with the whole situation in the beginning of Act two. John Proctor tells Elizabeth that the chief accuser, Abigail Williams, confided in him the illegitimacy of the witchcraft accusations. Elizabeth tells John, “God forbid you keep that from the court, John. I think they must be told.” (p. 53). She is doing her part to stand up for what is right by trying to convince her husband to tell the court what he knows. John’s opposition towards, though not extensive, is apparent. In the face of John’s opposition E

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In a town where revenge is running wild through the streets, in the form of a witch-hunt, many people are seeking revenge on their neighbors for past offenses and injuries. With this statement, Hale’s entire outlook of the hunt is changed, and he begins to question the validity of Abigail’s testimony and the integrity of the investigation. I am a good woman, I know it, and if you believe I may only do good work in the world; and yet be secretly bound to Satan, than I must tell you, sir, I do not believe it. Elizabeth is asked, “Is your husband a lecher!” she replies,” No, sir.

At the end of the book in Act Four, Elizabeth still does not surrender. Furthermore at the end of Act Three, Hale persists that all evidence be without doubt, “…I dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it. She, even when faced with the losing her husband and raising her children on her own, still holds true to herself. Showing now that he needs deeper proof, not just the accusations of a child. While her husband marches to the gallows, Elizabeth replies to Hale’s frantic pleas, “He have his goodness now. She makes clear that she will not lie for any reason; even if her husband will die. However, this action caused her husband to be put into jail. Elizabeth could have told them that John had committed adultery and in that sense gotten even with him.

Approximate Word count = 1004
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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