Morality In The Crucible

The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, is set in the Puritan theocracy of Salem, Massachusetts in the late 1600’s. The dominant ideology of the time considers the Puritans to be the chosen people, and it assumes that the devil is always lurking to destroy the society. The Puritan values are centered around a commitment to hard work, an attempt to live a modest lifestyle, and a focus on Christian doctrine, including strict adherence to the Ten Commandments. Puritans believe that God is the ultimate judge, and they understand that each individual is accountable to Him for devious behavior. However, as human nature dictates, some citizens feel compelled to examine the lives of neighbors, offering assessments regarding the exploits of others. As various

In a period where it is expected that all moral and upstanding residents should attend church, he is frequently absent, quick to lash out his disapproval saying, “I have trouble enough without I come five mile to hear him preach only hellfire and bloody damnation. Take it to heart, Mr. Parris. There are many others who stay away from church these days because you hardly ever mention God any more” (152). While this renders him a controversial figure, many are grateful that he is willing to express the sentiments that most do not have the courage to admit. Proctor prides himself on living a noble life, but he finds himself lonely and trapped in a loveless marriage with his wife, Elizabeth. In a period of weakness, he forsakes both his values and the vows he made when he enters into an adulterous relationship with his servant, Abigail Williams. When the affair is over and he has confessed his sin to Elizabeth, Proctor thinks it best to hide his transgression from the rest of the town, pretending it never happened. As a result, he finds himself miserable and withdrawn, lacking the capacity to forgive himself. He is tormented with the belief that his affair has caused him irreparable damage in God’s eyes. For months, John works to regain his wife’s trust, but their relationship becomes more strained and

His original belief that admitting his affair with Abigail will irreparably ruin his reputation compels him to remain silent, ultimately setting into motion the accusations that will destroy the community. The government of Salem falls victim to corruption and tyranny, fostering an environment of hysteria where friends accuse each other of participating in devil worship and witchcraft. In facing a decision to sign his name to a false statement in order to save his own life, Proctor realizes that his very existence will be worthless if he loses his soul in the process. In choosing death, John Proctor restores the goodness and decency that he lost, recovering the immeasurable value associated with his good name. Motivated by the moral compass that has directed his life except for one period of weakness, Proctor is able to shed his guilt ridden past and die