Culpability in The Crucible
The Crucible, a play written by Arthur Miller, possesses a strong theme of guilt. This leitmotif has the ability to make people act out both against each other and within themselves. This play exemplifies guilt from three main characters: John Proctor, Giles Corey, and Mary Warren. The play also portrays the impact each of these three characters all had on the mass hysteria occurring in Salem, Massachusetts, at the time.
The centrality of the play follows John Proctor, a generally well respected local farmer, and how the guilt of his affair with Abigail Williams affect both the personal and social aspects of his life. After committing adultery with Abigail, his home life and relationship with his wife changed tremendously. Proctor became more distant and untrustworthy to his …show more content…
Curiosity spurred his action and inclined him to contemplate the types of books she was reading. Upon questioning Reverend Hale, he accidently revealed information that ultimately led to her conviction. After realizing he was at fault for his wife's judgement, he was engulfed with guilt and refused to reveal the names of any others to the court. Giles stated to Judge Danforth, “I will not give you no name. I mentioned my wife’s name once and I’ll burn in hell long enough for that. I stand mute” (Miller, The Crucible, 3, 546-549). Giles declaration and dedication to silence then led the court to suffocate him to death. Prior to this conviction, if he had denied the charge against him the court would have had the authority to hang him and auction off his property. The final decision to die instead of convicting someone else and losing his property allowed him to die a good Christian and leave his sons his farm. The guilt in himself he sparked by unintentionally accusing his wife ultimately had a positive outcome, him dying with pride for his
The Crucible, a play written by Arthur Miller, possesses a strong theme of guilt. This leitmotif has the ability to make people act out both against each other and within themselves. This play exemplifies guilt from three main characters: John Proctor, Giles Corey, and Mary Warren. The play also portrays the impact each of these three characters all had on the mass hysteria occurring in Salem, Massachusetts, at the time.
The centrality of the play follows John Proctor, a generally well respected local farmer, and how the guilt of his affair with Abigail Williams affect both the personal and social aspects of his life. After committing adultery with Abigail, his home life and relationship with his wife changed tremendously. Proctor became more distant and untrustworthy to his …show more content…
Curiosity spurred his action and inclined him to contemplate the types of books she was reading. Upon questioning Reverend Hale, he accidently revealed information that ultimately led to her conviction. After realizing he was at fault for his wife's judgement, he was engulfed with guilt and refused to reveal the names of any others to the court. Giles stated to Judge Danforth, “I will not give you no name. I mentioned my wife’s name once and I’ll burn in hell long enough for that. I stand mute” (Miller, The Crucible, 3, 546-549). Giles declaration and dedication to silence then led the court to suffocate him to death. Prior to this conviction, if he had denied the charge against him the court would have had the authority to hang him and auction off his property. The final decision to die instead of convicting someone else and losing his property allowed him to die a good Christian and leave his sons his farm. The guilt in himself he sparked by unintentionally accusing his wife ultimately had a positive outcome, him dying with pride for his