The Crucible

A detailed Summary of The Crucible


Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, is a great portrayal of humans and their inner struggles. This play takes place in the 1690's in a small Puritan community based on a rigid social system. An outbreak of rumors claiming witchcraft contaminated this small village. This caused conflict among the people of name and ultimately resulted in absolute chaos. This play clearly illustrates the self-battles of three characters.

Reverend Hale's battle is initiated by his personal commitment to God. He is a deeply religious man who was unrelenting in his quest for the devil. Originally, Hale believed that there was witchcraft in the town and wanted to drive it out. However as the play develops, Hale witnesses sincere and respectable townspeople being sentenced and hung. He learns that what is being done is definitely wrong and here begins his inner turmoil. With scrutiny, he looks at himself and tries to figure out which way to go. Should he continue with what he is doing and listen to Danforth or should he listen to his conscience? He does try a feeble attempt to talk to Danforth and explain how the


ir actions are unjust, but again, his inner struggle pulls him back to a more moderate stand. Hale then decides to persuade the wrongly accused to confess witchcraft. At least this will save them from death by hanging. He preaches perjury to the people, even though this is also against their religion. Hale's principles were ridden with guilt and sadness because of his struggle with himself.

Furthermore, Mary Warren was a young girl evidently stricken with terror and inner conflict. Initially in this play, her character is perceived as a quiet and shy person. She was one who would never speak of her opinions. Proctor finds her where she was not supposed to be and wants her home, Mary immediately replies with "I'm just going home." (21) As the plot thickens, Mary is shown as naive and easily swayed my Abigail. She ends up getting caught up in all the commotion and pandemonium of the town. She goes along with all the girls of the town and lays blame on innocent people of witchery. She amazes herself with the power she can hold when she points a finger towards the accused. Inside she knows that

Some common words found in the essay are:
Mary Warren, John Proctor, Originally Hale, Arthur Miller's, Danforth John, Reverend Hale's, inner struggle, john proctor, inner turmoil, mary faced, internal conflict,

Approximate Word count = 740
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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