John Proctor in The Crucible by Arthur Miller

The Crucible deals with witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts which shows utter chaos and hysteria in the town. Many were accused of witchcraft and died because of lies.

Elizabeth Proctor was one of many who were accused. She was accused by Abigail Williams, the person whom Elizabeth fired for cheating with her husband, John Proctor. John was a well respected farmer in Salem, who was outraged when Elizabeth was arrested for accusations of using witchcraft. John and Elizabeth were approached by Reverend Hale, a supposed expert with witches, in front of their house, to warn them about Elizabeth being mentioned in court and to ask about their Christian faith. In the town of Salem, everyone knew everyone else very well and things got out of hand very quickly.

Elizabeth Proctor always did what was right and just throughout most of The Crucible. She rarely lied except on one occasion, which could have saved John’s life. She was basically a house wife to a farmer, John Proctor, and took care of three children. Elizabeth also thinks of herself in a negative perspective many times. For example, “Elizabeth: It needs a cold wife to prompt lechery.” Elizabeth Proctor also has insights into her husband, John Proctor. For example, “Elizabeth: John, you are not open with me.”(p:55). It shows Elizabeth’s lack trust in John. Elizabeth is one of the most important characters in the play, acting as John’s innocent wife, yet playing a much larger role.

Reverend Hale is a supposed expert on witchcraft who is brought into Salem to try and save them from the devil. His opinion on witches changes over time after noticing the lies of Abigail and the other girls. At first he says things like, “Reverend Hale: There is a misty plot afoot so subtle we should be criminal to cling to old respects and ancient friendships.” Here Reverend Hale is trying to defend the witch trials after Rebecca Nurse was arrested. After the witch trials began, Reverend Hale’s opinion changed. He said “Let you not mistake your duty as I mistook my own. I came into this village like a bridegroom to his beloved, bearing gifts of high religion; the very crowns of holy law I brought, and what I touched with my bright confidence, it died; and where I turned the eye of my great faith, blood flowed up.”(p. 132)

John Proctor is a well respected farmer throughout Salem.