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The Crucible By Arthur Miller

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Arthur Miller’s The Crucible takes place in a puritan 17th century Salem town, where a distinct line separates right from wrong. Puritan ideals define the individuals living in Salem, and John Proctor, the protagonist, finds himself struggling to realize and act on these ideals. Miller portrays Proctor in different lights throughout the course of the play, as Proctor often finds himself engrossed in the heat of the hysteria driven town. His character starts out lacking any heroic or admirable features, as his disloyalty to his wife is immediately apparent. Nevertheless, Proctor means to mend his marriage as he diverts his sinful relationship with Abigail Williams, and slowly his goodwill is depicted. In spite of his admirable personal growth, Proctor’s punishment through his wife’s coldness is not the end, as his punishment becomes far more severe. Abigail’s tactics to regain the love of Proctor result in the exposé of his adultery in the town, and her claim concerning witchcraft leads to Proctor’s trial—and eventual death. Proctor was given the choice to admit to witchcraft and spend his days in jail, yet he defends his friends and his name by choosing death over submission, and prioritizes righteousness over admitting to a lie. A metamorphosis of John Proctor lies first in his devotion to his wife, Elizabeth, and finally in his decision to choose honor over blasphemy, which undoubtably result from his bold, proud, and Puritan mannerisms through which he manifests a

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