breaking charity in the crucible essay

Themes and Analysis

The crucible, by arthur miller.

Through 'The Crucible,' Miller explores several important themes, such as the power of fear and superstition and the dangers of religious extremism.

About the Book

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

Arthur Miller’s ‘ The Crucible ‘ is one of the most powerful and poignant plays ever written . Set in the Puritan town of Salem during the 1690s, the play focuses on a series of trials that ultimately reveal the dangers of fear and ignorance. The play is filled with important symbols and themes that drive the narrative, many of which are highly relatable, even today.

The Corruption of Power

In the story of ‘ The Crucible ,’ power corrupts absolutely. In the village of Salem, the court proceedings are directed by those in authority, such as Reverend Parris and Deputy Governor Danforth. They misuse their power to further their own personal agendas, leading to false accusations and wrongful executions. The corruption of power serves as a warning against allowing authority figures to control everyday life without consequence.

The Dangers of Hysteria

‘ The Crucible ‘ demonstrates how quickly hysteria can spread and affect a community. With the accusations of witchcraft, fear and paranoia spread like wildfire among the citizens of Salem. This leads to even more accusations and further isolation of those thought to be guilty. The play warns readers against succumbing to hysteria and shows the real danger it can pose when left unchecked; this relates directly to McCarthyism in the 1950s in the United States.

Ignorance and Intolerance

Many of the characters in ‘ The Crucible ‘ are ignorant and intolerant of others, especially those they view as outsiders. This is demonstrated through the character of Reverend Parris, who is deeply suspicious of anyone who is different or opposes him. Similarly, intolerance is shown when those accused of witchcraft are assumed to be guilty despite a lack of evidence. The play emphasizes the need for tolerance and understanding in order to prevent further strife.

Key Moments

• Reverend Parris discovers his daughter and niece dancing in the woods with Tituba, his slave, and other girls from the village. Betty falls into a coma.
• Parris questions the girls about witchcraft.
• It’s revealed that Abigail had an affair with her former employer John Proctor. She still wants to be with him.
• Betty wakes up screaming.
• Tituba confesses to witchcraft. Abigail joins her.
• Abigail and the other girls begin to accuse various citizens of Salem of witchcraft.
• Mary Warren, now a court official, testifies against John Proctor in court. 
• Elizabeth urges John to go to town and convince them that Abigail is not telling the truth. She is suspicious of their relationship.
• Mary gives Elizabeth a poppet.
• John is questioned by Reverend Hale.
• The town marshal arrests Elizabeth and finds the poppet, which has a needle in it.
• Mary admits she made the poppet in court, and Elizabeth claims she’s pregnant.
• The girls start screaming in court, saying that Mary is sending her spirit to them.
• Elizabeth convinces John to admit to witchcraft.
• John Proctor signs a confession but then rips it up before it can be used as evidence against him. 
• John Proctor is put to death after refusing to lie about being a witch.

Tone and Style

The tone of Arthur Miller’s ‘ The Crucible ‘ is serious and intense due to the subject matter of the Salem Witch Trials. Miller captures a sense of urgency and fear that pervaded the small town of Salem at the time, which amplifies the drama and tension between the characters. This serves as a reminder of the underlying paranoia that can quickly infect a community.

The writing style of Miller’s play is direct and succinct. Miller deliberately focuses on dialogue and action, allowing for a natural flow to the story as it unfolds. He also uses strong language to draw attention to the ways in which fear and paranoia can lead to injustice. Through this approach, Miller effectively conveys the consequences of these events. In part, this is due to the format of the story. It’s a drama, meaning that it is almost entirely composed of only dialogue.

Witchcraft is the most obvious symbol in ‘ The Crucible ‘, representing the fear and paranoia of the characters during the Salem Witch Trials. Miller uses it to reflect the rampant hysteria of the time and how quickly false accusations spread throughout Salem. Witchcraft can also be seen as a metaphor for the powerlessness of individuals in the face of a repressive and superstitious society. 

Proctor’s House

John Proctor’s house serves as a symbol of both the struggles and the strength of his marriage to Elizabeth. It is not only a physical representation of their relationship but also an example of their commitment to one another. As their relationship unravels, so does their home, until it is eventually burned down by the townspeople. This symbolizes the breakdown of their marriage and the ultimate downfall of their relationship. 

The forest is a symbol of freedom in ‘ The Crucible .’ It represents the escape from repression, control, and oppression in Salem. By venturing out into the woods, characters like Tituba, Abigail, and Parris are able to reject societal norms and restrictions, allowing them to find their own paths. It is also a sign of hope for those who are struggling against the unjust and oppressive nature of Salem society.

What is the most important theme in The Crucible by Arthur Miller?

The most important theme in “The Crucible” is the power of public opinion and hysteria. It demonstrates how an environment of fear and superstition can be manipulated to create a situation of paranoia and distrust. 

Why is The Crucible by Arthur Miller important?

‘ The Crucible ‘ is important because it explores themes of morality, justice, and personal responsibility. It also examines the effects of unchecked hysteria and paranoia on individuals and society as a whole.

Why did Arthur Miller write The Crucible ?

Arthur Miller wrote ‘ The Crucible ‘ as a metaphor for McCarthyism, which was a period of intense anti-communist sentiment in the United States during the 1950s. He wanted to illustrate how similar events could happen again if unchecked fear and paranoia were allowed to spread.

Who are some of the main characters in The Crucible ?

Some of the main characters in The Crucible include John Proctor, Abigail Williams, Elizabeth Proctor, Reverend Parris, Reverend Hale, and Judge Danforth.

About Emma Baldwin

Emma Baldwin, a graduate of East Carolina University, has a deep-rooted passion for literature. She serves as a key contributor to the Book Analysis team with years of experience.

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• The Crucible

Arthur Miller

• Literature Notes
• Full Glossary for The Crucible
• Play Summary
• About The Crucible
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis
• Act I: Scene 1
• Act I: Scene 2
• Act I: Scene 3
• Act I: Scene 4
• Act I: Scene 5
• Act II: Scene 1
• Act II: Scene 2
• Act II: Scene 3
• Act II: Scene 4
• Act III: Scene 1
• Act III: Scene 2
• Act III: Scene 3
• Act IV: Scene 1
• Act IV: Scene 2
• Act IV: Scene 3
• Act IV: Scene 4
• Character Analysis
• Abigail Williams
• John Proctor
• Reverend Hale
• Character Map
• Arthur Miller Biography
• Critical Essays
• Arthur Miller's Narrative Technique in The Crucible
• Historical Period: Puritans in Salem
• Essay Questions
• Practice Projects
• Cite this Literature Note

Study Help Full Glossary for The Crucible

arbitrate to act as an impartial judge in order to settle disputes.

as clean as God's fingers pure or perfect, in the way that all parts of God are flawless.

autocracy a government in which one person has absolute power; dictatorship; despotism.

base having or showing little or no honor, courage, or decency; mean; ignoble; contemptible.

beguile to mislead by cheating or tricking; deceive.

bewildered confused or disoriented; here, meaning bewitched or acting unnaturally.

bound under compulsion; obliged; here it means in service to.

break charity to treat wrongfully or betray.

broken sick, weakened, or beaten; here, meaning weak and imperfect.

calamity deep trouble or misery; any extreme misfortune bringing great loss and sorrow; disaster.

calumny a false and malicious statement meant to hurt someone's reputation.

clapped put, moved, set swiftly ( clapped into jail).

conjure up to raise spirits from the dead.

contemptuous full of contempt; scornful; disdainful. Here, the word describes Giles Corey's attempt to disrupt the court.

contentious always ready to argue; quarrelsome.

cool emotionally uninvolved; uncommitted; dispassionate. Here, meaning calculated.

covenant a binding and solemn agreement to do or keep from doing a specified thing; compact; the promise made by God to humanity, as describedin the Bible. Here, "covenanted" specifically refers to a person bound by God's law and scriptures. For example, John Proctor is a married man and is bound to Elizabeth through their marriage promise or contract. According to God's law, Proctor and Elizabeth must remain faithful to one another. Of course, the entire premise of The Crucible is the result of Proctor's and Abigail's infidelity.

crucible a container made of a substance that can resist great heat, for melting, fusing, or calcining ores, metals, and the like; a severe test or trial; here, meaning a test designed to bring about change or reveal an individual's true character.

daft insane; crazy is closer to mad or crazy.

damn to cause the ruin of; make fail.

defamation damaging another individual's character or reputation, generally through false accusations.

deposition the testimony of a witness.

diabolism dealings with the Devil or devils, as by sorcery or witchcraft.

discontent dissatisfaction or restlessness. Here, the verb form is used, meaning to fail to satisfy.

disputation a discussion marked by formal debate, often as an exercise; here, meaning an argument.

dissemble to conceal under a false appearance; disguise.

faction a group of people inside a political party, club, government, and so on, working in a common cause against other such groups or against the main body; here, it refers to those resisting Reverend Parris.

floundering speaking or acting in an awkward, confused manner, with hesitation and frequent mistakes; here, meaning wavering, especially from indecision or doubt.

gibbet a gallows; a structure like a gallows, from which bodies of criminals already executed were hung and exposed to public scorn.

Goody [Archaic] a woman, esp. an old woman or housewife, of lowly social status: used as a title with the surname.

grand peeping courage behavior or attribute of someone who is too frightened to participate in a ritual, but will watch others participate..

guile slyness and cunning in dealing with others; craftiness; here, deception.

gull to cheat or trick; dupe.

hard proof undeniable, reliable, or actual proof; here, the phrase refers to solid evidence.

harlot a woman who engages in promiscuous sexual activity for pay; here, meaning a sexually immoral woman.

inculcate to impress upon the mind by frequent repetition or persistent urging.

lechery unrestrained, excessive indulgence of sexual desires; gross sensuality; lewdness; here, lechery refers to Proctor's affair with Abigail.

licentious morally unrestrained, esp. in sexual activity; lascivious.

paradox a statement that seems contradictory, unbelievable, or absurd but that may be true in fact. For example, the Puritans created a theocracy in order to provide a unified and stable community in Salem. Instead, the witch trials severed social relations, separated families, and turned the people of Salem against one another.

parochial of or in a parish or parishes; restricted to a small area or scope; narrow; limited; provincial; here, referring to the narrow-mindedness of the inhabitants of Salem.

partisan a person who takes the part of or strongly supports one side, party, or person; often, specifically, an unreasoning, emotional adherent.

perjury the willful telling of a lie while under lawful oath or affirmation to tell the truth in a matter material to the point of inquiry.

pointy reckoning the act or process of getting even or getting revenge.

poppet [Obsolete] a doll.

probity uprightness in one's dealings; integrity.

prodigious notable; here, meaning ominous.

providence the care or benevolent guidance of God or nature; here, the meaning is more closely aligned with "godsend," an unexpected but fortunate event. For example, Putnam believes God has revealed the presence of witchcraft in Salem. Although the idea of witchcraft frightens Putnam, he is grateful that the witchcraft has been revealed while it is still possible to control it.

purge to cleanse or rid of impurities, foreign matter, or undesireable elements.

quail to draw back in fear; lose heart or courage; cower.

rile to anger; irritate.

scaffold a raised platform on which criminals are executed, as by hanging.

sharp clearly defined; distinct; clear. Here, the word means decisive.

silly season phrase used to describe unexplainable, but natural behavior for a child.

slovenly careless in appearance, habits, work, and so on; untidy; slipshod.

soft gentle; low; not loud or harsh: said of sound.

softness the quality of being easily impressed, influenced, or imposed upon; here, lax or negligent.

sportin' jesting; joking.

strongbox a heavily made box or safe for storing valuables.

tainted morally corrupt.

theocracy a government by a person or persons claiming to rule with divine authority.

tonnage weight in tons.

trafficked had traffic, trade, or dealings with.

truck the practice of bartering; [Informal] dealings (have no further truck with them). Here, also a verb, meaning to be in league with someone. For example Tituba denies trucking, or being in league with, the Devil.

weighty of great significance or moment; serious.

wheels within wheels . . . fires within fires phrase used to imply conspiracies.

wintry of or like winter; cold, bleak; Here, it means without feeling.

your justice would freeze beer said here to a person who forgives another for an injustice, but still harbors resentment for the deed and makes the other person feel guilty.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — The Crucible — The Complex Characterization of Reverend Parris in “The Crucible”

The Complex Characterization of Reverend Parris in "The Crucible"

• Categories: The Crucible

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Published: Mar 6, 2024

Words: 635 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

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The Crucible Rebecca Nurse Quotes

PROCTOR: Can you speak one minute without we land in Hell again? I am sick of Hell! PARRIS: It is not for you to say what is good for you to hear! PROCTOR: I may speak my heart, I think! […] PARRIS, now he's out with it: There is a party in this church. I am not blind; there is a faction and a party. PROCTOR: Against you? PUTNAM: Against him and all authority! PROCTOR: Why, then I must find it and join it. There is shock among the others. REBECCA: He does not mean that. PUTNAM: He confessed it now! PROCTOR: I mean it solemnly, Rebecca; I like not the smell of this "authority. " REBECCA: No, you cannot break charity with your minister. You are another kind, John. Clasp his hand, make your peace. PROCTOR: I have a crop to sow and lumber to drag home. (I.275-277; 278-289)

Parris tries to assert his religious authority over Proctor, but Proctor is uninterested in the minister’s message. Parris suggests that there is a battle going on, a battle of good vs. evil, and Proctor is on the wrong side.

REBECCA: Pray, John, be calm. ( Pause. He defers to her. ) Mr. Parris, I think you'd best send Reverend Hale back as soon as he come. This will set us all to arguin' again in the society, and we thought to have peace this year. I think we ought rely on the doctor now, and good prayer. MRS. PUTNAM: Rebecca, the doctor's baffled! REBECCA: If so he is, then let us go to God for the cause of it. There is prodigious danger in the seeking of loose spirits. I fear it, I fear it. Let us rather blame ourselves and— PUTNAM: How may we blame ourselves? I am one of nine sons; the Putnam seed have peopled this province. And yet I have but one child left of eight—and now she shrivels! REBECCA: I cannot fathom that. MRS. PUTNAM, with a growing edge of sarcasm: But I must! You think it God's work you should never lose a child, nor grandchild either, and I bury all but one? There are wheels within wheels in this village, and fires within fires! PUTNAM, to Parris: When Reverend Hale comes, you should proceed to look for signs of witchcraft here. (I.246-252)

Rebecca Nurse suggests that they look inside themselves for answers to their problems, rather than blaming supernatural forces. But Mrs. Putnam is bent on finding justice, and she sees the supernatural as perhaps the only way to do so.

REBECCA: Pray, John, be calm. ( Pause. He defers to her.) Mr. Parris, I think you'd best send Reverend Hale back as soon as he come. This will set us all to arguin' again in the society, and we thought to have peace this year. I think we ought rely on the doctor now, and good prayer. MRS. PUTNAM: Rebecca, the doctor's baffled! REBECCA: If so he is, then let us go to God for the cause of it. There is prodigious danger in the seeking of loose spirits. I fear it, I fear it. Let us rather blame ourselves and— PUTNAM: How may we blame ourselves? I am one of nine sons; the Putnam seed have peopled this province. And yet I have but one child left of eight—and now she shrivels! REBECCA: I cannot fathom that. MRS. PUTNAM, with a growing edge of sarcasm: But I must! You think it God's work you should never lose a child, nor grandchild either, and I bury all but one? There are wheels within wheels in this village, and fires within fires! PUTNAM, to Parris: When Reverend Hale comes, you should proceed to look for signs of witchcraft here. (I.246-252)

Rebecca Nurse suggests that they look inside themselves for answers to their problems, rather than blaming supernatural forces, but the Putnams are bent on finding justice and they see the supernatural as perhaps the only source of those answers. Nonetheless, it is likely that Mrs. Putnam’s motives are more pure than those of her husband, who seems mostly interested in acquiring land.

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