Arthur Miller’s The Crucible (1953), a powerful play set in Puritan Massachusetts, asserts that across time, members of society have been alienated due to minute differences that go against the accepted conformity, a trend that has existed well into modern times; however, this idea would not have been as clearly communicated if the play’s setting had been other in American colonies. This message most appropriately connects with Salem, Massachusetts, where it was famed for its witch trials during colonial times. While the idea of shunning others due to their differences of opinion can be seen anywhere, the consequences of doing this would not have been so lucidly communicated had the play taken place in other colonies like Pennsylvania. Founded
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Puritanism held up a high conservative standard and those who had loose morals were greatly looked down upon. That is why in the play Goody Proctor did not tell the truth about her husband’s affair with Abigail Williams because it would’ve soiled John Proctor’s reputation and his status in society. This is also why the girls started blaming others after being caught dancing naked in the woods by the reverend; such behavior was considered scandalous and went against the word of God. This would also have been seen in Pennsylvania: the girls would’ve started accusing others to aim the spotlight on other people and to prevent from being punished for behaving in such a controversial manner. Furthermore, adultery was looked down upon and condemned in Pennsylvania. If the government had found out that John Proctor and Abigail Williams carried on an affair, they would’ve been punished in some manner. Although there was much freedom in this colony, virtuosity had to be upheld and kept according to William Penn’s Frame of Government. Thus, it’s possible that John Proctor would’ve also been slightly alienated for a while as seen in the play set in Salem, and Abigail Williams and the girls would’ve ended up being shunned, exactly what happened in the original
Puritanism held up a high conservative standard and those who had loose morals were greatly looked down upon. That is why in the play Goody Proctor did not tell the truth about her husband’s affair with Abigail Williams because it would’ve soiled John Proctor’s reputation and his status in society. This is also why the girls started blaming others after being caught dancing naked in the woods by the reverend; such behavior was considered scandalous and went against the word of God. This would also have been seen in Pennsylvania: the girls would’ve started accusing others to aim the spotlight on other people and to prevent from being punished for behaving in such a controversial manner. Furthermore, adultery was looked down upon and condemned in Pennsylvania. If the government had found out that John Proctor and Abigail Williams carried on an affair, they would’ve been punished in some manner. Although there was much freedom in this colony, virtuosity had to be upheld and kept according to William Penn’s Frame of Government. Thus, it’s possible that John Proctor would’ve also been slightly alienated for a while as seen in the play set in Salem, and Abigail Williams and the girls would’ve ended up being shunned, exactly what happened in the original