The Crucible by Arthur Miller

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Recommended: Characters and their characterisations in play Crucible by Arthur Miller

The play, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, took place in Salem, Massachusetts during 1692. The people of Salem were known as Puritans, which were people who followed God, the commandments, and were required to read the Bible in their spare time. Elizabeth Proctor was known as a “good” Puritan woman, while Abigail Williams was known as what a Puritan should not be. Elizabeth and Abigail were known in the Salem community for their attitude, personality, and their actions. Elizabeth had a good personality and an even better attitude. Elizabeth was respectful, loving and kind. When Cheever and Hale came to Proctor’s house to take Elizabeth away she told Proctor, “John – I think I must go with them. Mary, there is bread enough for the morning; you will bake, in the afternoon. Help Mr. Proctor as you were his daughter – you owe me that, and much more. To Proctor: when the children wake, speak nothing of witchcraft – it will frighten them” (Act II pg 77). While Elizabeth was about to be arrested she goes to Mary and tells her to take care of her family while she was away. Elizabeth was only concerned about her family; she wanted to make sure her family was taken care of. Elizabeth showed respect by agreeing to go with Hale and not argue about her arrest. Elizabeth also showed kindness and her love for her family by making sure her husband and sons were taken care of, she was concerned for her family more than she was concerned about what will happen to her later. Elizabeth’s actions were just as caring as her personality and attitude. John Proctor confessed to committing adultery with Abigail, Danforth brought Elizabeth into the court to see if Proctor was telling him the truth. When Elizabeth was in court Danforth told ... ... middle of paper ... ... like either, she lied to get what she wanted and she expected people to believe anything she says. While Mary Warren was in court Danforth asked Abby if the “witches” were an illusion in her head, Abby immediately got mad and told Danforth, “Let you beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you to be so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits?” (Act III pg 108). Abigail took offense when Danforth asked her if she was making up the “witch” stories because Mary Warren told them in court that she had not seen any “spirits” and that it was her imagination, so to avoid getting in trouble she told Danforth that the power of hell could be in him too. Abigail showed in this scene that if she did not get what she wanted from someone, or they turned on her then she will turn everyone against that person. Abby realizes how much power she has and uses it to her benefit.

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