Arthur Miller 's play the crucible was written in 1953. The play follows the events of the Salem witch trials, which occurred between 1692 and 1693. Throughout the play the reader is introduced to a great deal characters, which has sparked debate on who the main character actually is. Some would say that John Proctor and Abigail Williams drive the plot, but in actuality the story revolves around Elizabeth Proctor. Although she is not seen until the second act, Elizabeth Proctor has a distinct influence on the outcome of the play. Elizabeth becomes the lead figure because other people take action because of her, her goodness of character helps develop other characters throughout the play, and her specific actions created a direct affect on the
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As soon as Elizabeth 's arrest was declared Hale rushed to the Proctor household to see her and understand why Elizabeth was accused. From the get go Hale could see that Elizabeth had a clean reputation and was a godly woman. It was her quality of character that challenged Hale to question the witch trials. Near the end of the play Hale admits "I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves. There is blood on my head! Can you not see the blood on my head!!" (Act IV. 311-313). This shows that he now can admit that the people in jail are christians and their damnation is his fault. Elizabeth 's morality plays a role in his decision. She is one of the people he recognizes as a good christian and it was her from the beginning that made him question the validity of witch hunting. Because Elizabeth maintained her integrity she was able to influence one of the major character developments of the play, helping assemble her as the key influential character. In addition to aiding Hale in his development, she is also able to help John recognize that he is a good man. In the final scene of the play Elizabeth says to John "Do what you will. But let none be your judge. There be no higher judge under Heaven than Proctor is! Forgive me, forgive me, John- I never knew such goodness in the world!" (Act IV. 523-526). In these few lines Elizabeth finally forgives John and assures him that he is a good man. Elizabeth 's forgiveness and final show of good character are key to the outcome of the play. Because of his wife 's words, John is eventually able to realize that he is a good man. Ultimately this leads to John 's death, but he is able to die as a noble man because of Elizabeth. She remains at the center of the story as John and Hale change and develop because of
As soon as Elizabeth 's arrest was declared Hale rushed to the Proctor household to see her and understand why Elizabeth was accused. From the get go Hale could see that Elizabeth had a clean reputation and was a godly woman. It was her quality of character that challenged Hale to question the witch trials. Near the end of the play Hale admits "I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves. There is blood on my head! Can you not see the blood on my head!!" (Act IV. 311-313). This shows that he now can admit that the people in jail are christians and their damnation is his fault. Elizabeth 's morality plays a role in his decision. She is one of the people he recognizes as a good christian and it was her from the beginning that made him question the validity of witch hunting. Because Elizabeth maintained her integrity she was able to influence one of the major character developments of the play, helping assemble her as the key influential character. In addition to aiding Hale in his development, she is also able to help John recognize that he is a good man. In the final scene of the play Elizabeth says to John "Do what you will. But let none be your judge. There be no higher judge under Heaven than Proctor is! Forgive me, forgive me, John- I never knew such goodness in the world!" (Act IV. 523-526). In these few lines Elizabeth finally forgives John and assures him that he is a good man. Elizabeth 's forgiveness and final show of good character are key to the outcome of the play. Because of his wife 's words, John is eventually able to realize that he is a good man. Ultimately this leads to John 's death, but he is able to die as a noble man because of Elizabeth. She remains at the center of the story as John and Hale change and develop because of