The Crucible, Arthur Miller

A detailed Summary of The Crucible, Arthur Miller

One of mankind's greatest challenges is to stand up and defend what it knows is right in the face of opposition. Amongst all the lying and self-deceit in Arthur Miller's The Crucible, Elizabeth Proctor is able to carry out this noble deed and becomes a fighter against the injustice of the Salem witch-hunt. In comparison to the other characters, Elizabeth has a minor part in the play. However her role in the witch-hunt was a pivotal one. The consequences of her actions speak louder than any words ever will. She never conspires against anyone and she thinks the whole witch-hunt is a scandal from the beginning. She stood up for what she knows is right and she never betrays herself.

Goody Proctor first shows her discontent with the whole situation in the beginning of Act two. John Proctor tells Elizabeth that the chief accuser, Abigail Williams, confided in him the illegitimacy of the witchcraft accusations. Elizabeth tells John, "God forbid you keep that from the court, John. I think they must be told." (p. 53). She is doing her part to stand up for what is right by trying to convince her husband to tell the court what he knows. John's opposition towards, though not extensive, is apparent. In the face of John's opposition E

While she is talking to her husband who is about to be hanged, she doesn't compromise. He tells her that he wants to confess and she tells him, "I cannot judge you, John." (p. 35). She is saying do what you will, but know that you judge yourself. You will have this decision with you forever. She doesn't tell him that it's okay to lie, she just tells him that she won't judge him.

Elizabeth accomplished mankind's greatest challenge; standing up in the face of opposition, even the death of a loved one. She overcame all the lying and self-deceit of the people of Salem and was true to herself and God. She never once surrendered her goodness or her husband's into the hands of the bloodthirsty accusers and condemners. Elizabeth is a valiant warrior against the witch-hunt in Salem. She carries out a noble battle despite the lesser part of her character. Never betraying herself or her family, Elizabeth is victorious.

In Act Three when Proctor brings his evidence against Abigail and confesses his act of adultery, Elizabeth does the right thing. However, this action caused her husband to be put into jail. In a town where revenge is running wild through the streets, in the form of a witch-hunt, many people are seeking revenge on their neighbors for past offenses and injuries. Elizabeth is asked, "Is your husband a lecher!" she replies," No, sir." (p. 113). Elizabeth could have told them that John had committed adultery and in that sense gotten even with him. But she chose not to

Some common words found in the essay are:
Act Elizabeth, Act Proctor, Hale Hale, John God, Elizabeth Proctor, Act Hale, Reverend Paris, , Abigail Williams, Giles Cory, john's opposition, god forbid, noble deed, witch-hunt salem, elizabeth husband, lying self-deceit, elizabeth tells, attack court,

Approximate Word count = 1004
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English