Guilt Theme In The Crucible

599 Words2 Pages

Nathan Taix
Mrs. Fode
English 11, Per. 5
2 October 2017
Guilt vs Characters In The Crucible, Arthur Miller explores the theme of guilt through several characters as well as the community’s reaction to the witch hunt. Guilt pushes not only the witch hunts themselves, but also the behavior of the people of Salem. John Proctor is the main source of guilt in the story, followed by Reverend Hale, and Abigail. John Proctor is a local farmer who lives right outside of town. He feels guilt because of his religious convictions against adultery. Proctor believes that his relationship with Abigail has damaged him in the eyes of God, his wife Elizabeth, and himself. Abigail tried to guilt him into continuing their relationship. Proctor’s guilt also comes out strongly when he states “A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts that this be fraud-God damns our kind especially, and we will burn, we will burn together!” , this can show how Proctor is a better man than Danforth. …show more content…

Hale’s guilt comes to play when he realizes how many innocent people have been put on trial. Hale’s statement, “Let you not mistake your duty as I mistook my own.” (202) shows his guilt and how he is taking the blame for the mistakes he made. In act three, Hale’s guilt rises as he begins to believe that the people who have been convicted of witchcraft, may have been innocent. “I believe him! I cannot turn my face from it no more.” Hale states. Proctor saves himself by confessing. Hale knows this and pleads to argue with Proctor. By the end of court, Proctor does not sign, all he has is his name. Reverend Hale is disillusioned; guilt is now among him and he does not know what to

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