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Character Motivations in The Crucible Essay

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Motivations

In the play, The Crucible,by Arthur Miller.Many characters have desires that drive them to pursue certain things.This affects the plot in many ways.In this puritan society,people strongly cared what other people think of them and how their reputation stands in the village.They always strive to make sure their actions reflect wisely on their names.A major motivation John Proctor,Abagail,and Parris share is pride in their names,which eventually leads to their ultimate downfall.

When the play sets in action, John has had a past affair with his servant, Abigail Williams. His wife, Elizabeth Proctor, is very forgiving of his sin, but John has his mind set that he will not confess to anyone else, in fear of ruining his good …show more content…

Proctor says to her, "You're coming to the court with me, Mary. You will tell it in the court." (Miller 80). This is to prove that he is not in volved in witchcraft. He does not want his name to even be associated with the thought. He there fore makes Mary testify to the court about her doll and therefore clears the accusation that he was doing what we consider voo-doo. Furthermore, at the end of the play Proctor is persistent by saying that no matter what anyone says to convince him differently, he would rather die an honest man and save his name. John Proctor took pride in his name. It took persistency to make his intent clear to others.He eventually dies for his cause. Therefore making him a martyr.

For every protagonist(John Proctor) ,there is an antagonist Abagail Willams. After having an affair with John Abby gets fired from the Proctor household as their servant. When her uncle parris questions her on the subject she defends herself by saying” There be no blush on my name(Miller 15).This implies that her name is white which is the color of purity. Red was the color of impurity and sin. She lies to her own uncle by saying that she has done nothing that would cause people to think badly of her. Eventually after this incident

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