The Concept Of Good Vs. Evil In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

During the conservative time of Puritanism, the town of Salem based their belief system on the idea of good vs. evil, or God vs. Satan. This theme can be seen in Arthur Miller’s, The Crucible, and is demonstrated not only through events but also through the major and minor characters. More specifically, Tituba and Abigail Williams exemplify both sides of this theme and their actions eventually manifest into something greater that clearly explains the concept of good vs. bad. In the play, many events and characters represent the theme of good vs. evil, but Tituba’s and Abigail William’s actions epitomize the theme the best.
In the opening of the play, Miller describes a scene where Abigail Williams and Reverend Parris are speaking about conjuring …show more content…
Satan is rooted in actions from the play, it is also revealed through relationships between the various characters. Tituba and Abigail Williams had no reason to dislike each other, and part of that truth is still upheld by the end of the play. Abigail Williams had no reason except personal gain to throw Tituba under the bus, and in return, Tituba dies. To explain the relationship, Miller says, “Sometimes I wake and find myself standing in the open doorway and not a stitch on my body! I always hear her laughing in my sleep. I hear her singing her Barbados songs and tempting me with-- / Mister Reverend, I never--” (37). The quote shows that Abby likes to exaggerate the truth, which she does not view as lying. While it is not so adequately shown in the play, their relationship started off as neutral, which can be perceived as good. But, by the end of the play, all that is left is hatred towards one …show more content…
Puritanism is based on extremist views and The Crucible is nothing short of extreme views. The town of Salem bases every action on the theory that everyone is born bad and then made good. They think that everything is good vs. bad, good vs. evil, God vs. Satan--there is no inbetween. A society that operates on black and white concepts is not fully functioning and cannot fully develop their ideas. Therefore, the characters and their relationships in this play very clearly outline the theme of good vs. evil, due to their upbringing. Characters such as Tituba and Abigail Williams portray this theme through their very being, and because of the Puritan town of Salem, it comes forth even more than one could imagine. The play gives off a vibe of everything can change, and when it comes down to it, everything is black and white, there is no gray area. People’s universe of obligation is often perceived as being large when in reality, there is only one circle: their