Power In The Crucible

Abraham Lincoln, the distinguished sixteenth president, once concluded, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, men have a noticeably greater amount of power compared to women. John and Elizabeth Proctor, the two main characters, embody the reality of the power struggles in Puritan society between the sexes. With all the power John Proctor holds, he chooses to not lie, but die. Since Proctor is a selfish man, he tells the truth, not to be honest, but to save his reputation. Proctor’s final words include, “‘I mean to deny nothing!... How may I live without my name?”’ (Miller 886). Proctor is obsessed with his self-image and name, which leads to his unnecessary execution. Surprisingly, with the knowledge of the truth, the Reverend Paris, Revered Hale and Deputy Governor try to persuade Proctor to rethink his actions, “‘Man, you will hang! You cannot!’” (Miller 886). If Proctor was a woman, they would not …show more content…
After informing her husband of the trials, which he had no knowledge about, the topic of Abigail quickly enters the conversation. Proctor hastily becomes enraged with Elizabeth’s questioning, “‘Spare me! You forget nothin’ and forgive nothin.’ Learn charity, woman”’ (Miller 852). He rudely yells at his wife, someone he is supposed to love. His powerful thoughts lead to uncontrollable actions. In contrast, Elizabeth is able to keep her composure and treat her husband with kindness, “I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you. I never thought you but a good man, John”’ (Miller 852). In this case, Elizabeth has a more forgiving personality, yet less power, while John Proctor has a rash, assertive personality and more power; all because of gender. Therefore, Elizabeth is accepting as her role as a subservient female under her power-obsessed