The Role Of Elizabeth In The Crucible '

Elizabeth is a strong character whose strengths are perhaps not too apparent at first. She also forms a contrast with the fiery, feisty Abigail in that she is dutiful, morally scrupulous, and maybe, just a little dull. It is only in Act IV, though, that we really see her depth of character, in her private moments with her husband in prison. She confesses her own sense of inadequacy which she believes drove him to adultery: 'It takes a cold wife to prompt lechery.' This shows that that she does not just blame him for their marriage going wrong as she seemed to do earlier, she is also  capable of self-criticism. Her loyalty and real love for him are nowhere more evident than in this scene. She wants his life to be spared but she understands why

he feels he cannot tell a lie to save himself. This line shows her inner vulnerability and inquiry about herself. Elizabeth shows that deep within herself she knew all along that John’s adultery wasn’t completely his fault. By acknowledging her weaknesses, fears, and faults she finally forgives John for what he’s done. Proctor's admission of adultery and Elizabeth's lie to hide the affair from the court mark a turning point in their marriage. Shame overwhelms Proctor, but he demonstrates his loyalty and love for Elizabeth by revealing the affair in order to save her life. The situation also changes Elizabeth. She knows that Proctor's name is important to him, and that he would not ruin his reputation by admitting an affair unless he truly loved her. She can finally trust him again. Despite the uneasiness of their relationship, Elizabeth serves as Proctor’s moral compass. When her husband experiences confusion or ambivalence, she prompts him on to the path of justice. In the scene we can see that she loves her husband dearly because she the fact that she lied, and this line in particular, is an important for the pace of the play, intensity and tension in this scene and her choice to lie when the audience has seen that she always tells the truth shows the depths of her devotion to her husband despite his betrayal of her.