Arthur Miller's The Crucible is a drama based upon the 1690's Massachusetts witchcraft trials. The Crucible tells of the havoc wrought in early Salem when some restless young girls claim that witches are taking over the village. Their leader, Abigail Williams, hopes for revenge against Elizabeth Proctor, her past employer. Abby was dismissed from her job because she had an affair with Elizabeth's husband, John. Accusations of witchcraft are made, and many women, including Elizabeth, are arrested. John joins other sensible townspeople to contradict the charges. Charged and imprisoned himself, John must decide whether to live by swearing to a lie, or hang from telling the truth. Elizabeth Proctor, or "Goody Proctor," is a conscientious, faithful wife. She possesses dignity, honesty, and wisdom.
             When two court officials come to arrest Elizabeth, she speaks up firmly about Mary's doll. Faced with arrest and even death, however, she leaves quietly, but not without having first left instructions about the care of her house and children. She is afraid, but resolutely declares that she will not fear. "I will fear nothing, (pg. 78)" she says with dignity.
             Respected by her husband because she has always told the truth, Elizabeth is called upon without warning to testify as to his relationship with Abigail. "In her life, sir, she have never lied. There are them that cannot sing, and them that cannot weep--my wife cannot lie, (pg. 111)" Proctor says to Danforth. She stretches the truth as far as possible. It is clear that Elizabeth loves her husband enough to go against her own strict code in an attempt to save him. Elizabeth has not confessed but has promptly informed the court of her pregnancy, aware that they might not readily execute a woman expecting a child. John says to Danforth, "But if she say she is pregnant, then she must be! That woman will never lie, Mr. Danforth. (pg. 92)"
             Throughout the play, Elizabeth gai...