The Crucible 2
A crucible, as defined by the Merriam-Webester Concise Electronic Dictionary, is "the state or fact of being tested (as by suffering)", which attests to what Elizabeth Proctor is going through exactly. Elizabeth has quite a crucible to struggle through. The infidelity of her husband is a major element in her being. Her struggle includes staying true to both her husband and her God. Another is the persecution by Abigail Warren, a former employee and assistant. Elizabeth also has to suffer through the decision to reveal the unfaithfulness of John or to remain strong in her love of him. All of this is too much for Elizabeth and the burden is very heavy. Elizabeth's husband, John, is a religious man. He believes in God, but not the minister who preaches His word. John's actions, though, are not so religious and devoid of sin. Abby, a young seductress, was able to gain his attention while Elizabeth was bedridden. A fiery and passionate affair scared his relationship with his wife. Elizabeth struggles with his infidelity. When Reverend Hale questions the couple on the commandments, it is evident that there is still a void between her and John. All commandments could be recited except for adultery. In the puritan culture
, adultery is a grievous sin, one punishable by death. She has to live through each day knowing that John was unfaithful, and that he did not fulfill the commitment of marriage. She feels hurt and betrayed, but what Abby tries next is the most underhanded trick possible. In an attempt to prove that Abby was just condemning people out of vengeance, John Proctor asked the court to allow Elizabeth to reveal the real reason that Abby was discharged from their home. His favor was granted, with the understanding that neither John nor Abby could face or gesture to Elizabeth. She was asked why she discharged Abby, and then if she believed that there was an affair between John and Abby. She denied an affair, and in that way condemned John as a liar and as one trying to overthrow the court. He was arrested and was indicted in the matter of trafficking with the devil. Throughout the time that the Salem trials took place, John believed that they were a farce. Now, with Elizabeth present, he was given a choice. He could sign a confession and indict other people. He asked Elizabeth if she wanted him to live, and she said yes. He made the decision to not confess, though, and she had the choice of stopping him. She could
Some common words found in the essay are:
Throughout Salem, Goody Proctor, Abigail Warren, Reverend Hale, John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor, John Abby, Electronic Dictionary, , husband unfaithful, discharged abby,
Approximate Word count = 826
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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