More than 200 witchcraft-related charges were brought to court in the Salem Witch Trials. 19 were also executed in the Salem Witch Trials. The Crucible, a play that reflects the emotions of Salem’s people, was created to show these difficult decisions and the lessons they learned. It is a play that explores major themes such as lies, deceit and respect for reputation, compassion, forgiveness, and even mercy.
This play’s first major theme is deceit and lies. The play makes the bold argument that deception can never be justified. The Crucible’s characters lie to each other, if not to their own people. Abigail lies to herself about her ability see spirits. Proctor is guilty at least one thing. First, Proctor is guilty of cheating his wife. Second, he is guilty of concealing it. Judge, lieutenant Governor, and ministers lie in front of everyone and say that they serve God’s cause. The twist is that by telling truth you not only die but also your freedom. It is vital to have a good reputation in a community where one’s religious beliefs are tied to their social standing. Your reputation is what will get you business, and even a fair hearing. If you were facing accusations of witchcraft, your reputation will be null. The Reverend Hale began to question whether the accused were really guilty because of their reputation. John Proctor didn’t sign a false confession out of respect for his friends and reputation. He would prefer to die. John Proctor dies in a false conviction as a witch. But he is respected and admired by those who matter. Abigail’s reputation declines towards the end, showing that characters from The Crucible eventually gain the reputations for which they are worthy, despite personal tragedies.
Compassion and forgiveness are the third key theme of this play. John Proctor desperately needs forgiveness at play’s beginning. His wife is unsure if she will grant him forgiveness. Elizabeth is still judging him for his adultery. He had committed it while he was ill. He also still holds himself accountable for his actions. John Proctor only forgives Elizabeth when he admits to his faults. This is what gives John Proctor the strength to face his death. John Proctor does not want his wife to forgive him. He must, however, forgive himself. Elizabeth Proctor feels that John Proctor is the worst judge of himself and should forgive himself. She is also right to feel that John may not be completely faithful to his word.
The Crucible, in conclusion, is a play that reflects the emotions of Salem’s people. The Crucible, a play by Arthur Miller, reveals many life lessons and difficult decisions. It is a play that explores major themes such as lies, deceit and respect for reputation and compassion and forgiveness.
