One definition of the word "crucible" is "a severe test of patience and belief, or a trial". This definition pertains to Arthur Miller's four-act play, "The Crucible." The definition is suiting, because it is during this play that the wills and motives of women and men are put to the test when they are accused or accuse people of things they did not do. It was the ultimate trial of determination and willpower to withstand such a wretched ordeal with your morals still intact. Abigail Williams, Elizabeth and John Proctor, Mary Warren, Reverend Parris and even Reverend Hale had changed drastically because of what they had to go through during the course of the play. As the situations grew hotter the true character was revealed through actions and words.
When Reverend Hale arrived to Salem in act one he was an overconfident witch hunter blinded by his faith in “books weighted in authority” that he is unable to speak out for the innocent. By the time the guilt out weighs his pride
it is already to late to stop court for they have already executed some of the condemned. After he vainly pleads with the judges and court officials he fleas town. When he returns to get a remission of his own guilt he pleads with the convicted to falsely confess and spare their lives. His faith in god is so shaken to its foundation that he is convinced that lying to save ones life is less of a sin then not lying to save ones pride. Throughout the play his true character is that of a self-pitying week man. There were many times when he could have put a stop to all the chaos through a number of options. He simply didn’t have enough courage to follow his morals or his principles when it mattered most.
Another character whose true colors are shown during the crucible is John Proctor. In act one he is a shady figure who cheats on his wife with their hired help Abigail Williams. Although he still flirts with Abby, he denies it to his wife. It is also revealed that he rarely attends church. When the
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