Themes in The Crucible: Fear, Revenge, Loyalty, Integrity

‘The Crucible Themes

Introduction to Themes • This play was written in the context of the anti-communist political witch hunts of the 1950s, and its central theme is established society's irrational fear of people and beliefs that are different. • Other themes include the bad side of society - revenge, irrational fear, prejudice, betrayal, greed and ambition - and the good sides of society - integrity, reason and loyalty.

Introduction to Themes cont. • Miller is very much dealing with the forces of good and evil in society. So it is convenient to divide his themes into those dealing with each side. But remember that not all the characters are simply 'black' or 'white' even though the themes are.

INTEGRITY • Proctor is the best example of integrity. In a private conversation with his wife about whether he should confess and save his life he says, "I think it is honest, I think so [to confess]. I am no saint. Let Rebecca go like a saint; for me it is a fraud." This shows his genuine struggle with himself to do what is honest. • He does not like concealing the truth about his affair with Abigail, but he does so in order to protect his wife from Salem scandal and gossip. When he finally confesses to it in court, in order to undermine Abigail's witness and prove that she is a liar, he pulls no punches. He uses language that underlines his disgrace - "In the proper place - where my beasts are bedded."

INTEGRITY cont. • At the end he chooses death rather than to sign the court document. The reason is that he cannot truthfully put his name to a false confession. It is a lie. "I have given you my soul; leave me my name!"

LOYALTY • Loyalty is the flip side of betrayal and there is not much of it in Salem. • The clearest example is seen in both the Proctors. • Although in one sense John Proctor has betrayed Elizabeth by having an affair with Abigail, there was certainly fault in Elizabeth's emotional coldness. When it comes to Elizabeth being put on trial for witchcraft, however, Proctor's loyalty is unwavering. He refers to her in court as "my wife, my dear good wife" and he confesses his adultery in order to undermine Abigail's false witness against her.

LOYALTY cont. • Similarly Elizabeth is loyal to her husband. She testifies in court to his being "a good and righteous man" and she tries to get him out of trouble by lying when directly asked if he is an adulterer. • The dreadful thing about the Salem witch trials is that they turn loyalty into a force that destroys both Elizabeth and John Proctor.

REVENGE • There are at least two characters who see the witch fear as an opportunity to get revenge on their enemies; they are Abigail Williams and Thomas Putnam. • Abigail wants revenge on Elizabeth Proctor for dismissing her. She also wants her out of the way so that she can pursue her greedy desire for John Proctor. • Thomas Putnam wants revenge on Francis Nurse with whom he has quarrelled. By joining the accusations of witchcraft against Rebecca Nurse he becomes one of the villains of the play, a man who will use the fear of witchcraft to get revenge against his enemies.

CONFLICT • There are many conflicts between members of the Salem society. These conflicts are not just about characters fighting between themselves. Instead, the characters are clashing with their own ideals, among themselves and within the entire community.

PURIFICATION • A crucible is a container in which metals and other materials are heated so as to separate the pure metals from waste and impurities. The crucible in the title is a metaphor for the town of Salem and the period of the witch-hunt hysteria. In this ‘fire’, some victims survive the temptations and fears and emerge as better and stronger people.

LOYALTY • Loyalty is a theme that is illustrated in the behaviour of John Proctor towards his friends. He supports his friends whose wives have also been accused. • Elizabeth, even though badly burt by husband’s affair with Abigail, is too loyal to shame him in court and denies knowledge of it.

LOYALTY cont. • Hale thins he is being loyal to the court • Mary Warren is too weak to show loyalty to the family that has taken her in

COURAGE • We are shown courage in the behaviour of the accused, particularly Rebecca Nurse. As she goes to be hanged, she tells John to ‘fear nothing!’ as another judgement awaits them. • Giles shows courage when he refuses to answer the charges of consorting with the Devil so that his sons may inherit his farm.

COURAGE cont. • John Proctor tells his wife to defy the authorities and to show them no tears.

ENVY • Envy and resentment are demonstrated in: • the Putnam’s quarrels over land • Ann Putnams’ bitter feelings towards Rebecca Nurse and her healthy family • Abigail is envious of Elizabeth’s position as Proctor’s wife

DECEPTION • Mary Warren turns against John Proctor and lies in court • Thomas Putnam is accused of denouncing people in order to get their land • Abigail accuses many females of witchcraft/consorting with the Devil • The Poppet incident - Abigail sets a cunning plan to have Elizabeth accused of witchcraft • Abigail turns against Tituba

Themes in The Crucible: Fear, Revenge, Loyalty, Integrity