Theme Of Lying In The Crucible

Everyone lies. Various scenarios prompt people to deceive others, to protect one’s self, to protect one’s family, and to protect one’s reputation. A lie is a statement used for the purpose of deception for one’s reputation or name. In Salem, Massachusetts, one’s name and reputation means everything because if one has a bad name, he or she will not receive trust or respect. This play suggests that lying is vital at certain times and that many people hope to achieve an exceptional reputation through lying. Significant characters in the play The Crucible lie in order to preserve their reputations.
Parris is the Reverend in Salem which means he has an immense name that people trust so this motivates his lies in order to secure his good name. Something is happening with Betty, and Susanna comes to find out what happened to her. Susanna is looking at Betty to see what is wrong with her and Parris does not want anyone to think that she is a witch; he wants to believe that she is fine. Parris assures Susanna, “There be no unnatural cause here” (Miller I.62). Parris knows that if the word gets out about Betty being a witch, his reputation will be …show more content…
For example, researcher Alex Lickerman, believes that people often lie to “avoid suffering painful consequences” (Why We Lie). Based on this theory, he would support the argument that the people of Salem are most likely lying to save their families. However, the pressure on the characters in The Crucible to be viewed as good Christian citizens far exceeds what one’s need is to protect one’s family. Lickerman states, “We lie to obtain protection. We protect ourselves” (Why We Lie). People lie as a defense mechanism so that they will not get hurt by others. More often than not, people will go to extreme lengths to protect themselves, even if it means damaging their family through