Ironic Events In The Crucible

Salem was a town where status was everything, filled with mass proportions in devout Puritan belief, that created a terrible mix that eventually led to the Salem Witch Trial Hysteria. The Crucible, a play based on the events of the Salem Witch Trials, included several scenes filled with irony that involved John Proctor, proving crucial to the overall story. Ironic events throughout the story that were crucial to the outcome were: when John Proctor failed to name the ten commandments to Reverend Hale, when he told the truth about his affair with Abigail which had a reverse effect of what he wanted, and when John Proctor ultimately redeemed himself by solidifying his future; death. The Crucible was an exceptional play that shined light on the

John Proctor, when interrogated by Hale about his Christian knowledge, is asked to recite the 10 commandments that every Christian knows by heart. He names all but one, having forgotten it. Elizabeth has to remind him that it is the one against adultery. “Proctor: … Thou shalt not bear false witness. (He is stuck. He counts back on his fingers, knowing one is missing.) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image. Hale: You have said that twice, sir. Proctor: (lost). Aye. (He is flailing for it.) Elizabeth: (delicately). Adultery, John” (199). The above quotation is a direct excerpt from the play that showcases this crucial and ironic scene. This scene is also crucial because at the time, any form of sin or the slightest infraction of Christian knowledge could lead to the belief that one was a witch. When John Proctor forgot one of the commandments, this left an opening for a presumption that he wasn’t truly Christian, especially combined with the knowledge of his late attendance and un-baptized son. “Proctor: There be no love for Satan in this house, Mister. Hale: I pray it, I pray it dearly. (He looks to both of them, an attempt at a smile on his face, but his misgivings are clear.) Well, then-I’ll bid you goodnight” (199). The above quotation is a direct excerpt from the play that showcases the importance of religion in their

Pride has kept John Proctor from coming forward with the truth, as adultery is a sin. Social status is everything in the town of Salem and if John came forward with the truth, his status would be ruined During his questioning in court, John Proctor, fed up with Abigail 's lies, admits to the affair in front of the entire town. He has come clean, but at what cost? When Elizabeth enters and is questioned, not allowed to look at her husband, she denies the allegations of the affair for him, which ends up condemning them both. “Proctor: … She thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave! And well she might, for I thought of her softly. God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance, and you must see it; I set myself entirely in your hands. I know you must see it now” (220-221). The above quote is an excerpt from The Crucible that shows John Proctor has finally cast aside his want for social status and has chosen honesty to save his wife. The reason this scene is so crucial is because it changes the course of events that would have followed if John Proctor had kept quiet about the affair. Elizabeth also played a key factor in the event, since she lied about the affair for him, mistakenly condemning both her and him from what would follow. If John and Elizabeth both admitted to the affair, they could of