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The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Decent Essays

Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible develops characters that portray problems with their identities. This inner struggle is clearly seen in the main character John Proctor. He is the man Miller has chosen to struggle with “the dilemma of men, fallible, subject to pride, but forced to choose between the “negative good” of truth and morality, and the “positive good” of human life.” (Internet, Arthur Miller Home Page) In order for this character to develop, Miller had to create Proctors wife, Elizabeth. She would be the catalyst in making John Proctor deal with his inherent identity dilemma. With out her, Proctor would not be a central character, and would have never needed to deal with the inner …show more content…

Help Mr. Proctor as you were his daughter—you owe me that, and much more. When the children wake, speak nothing of witchcraft—it will frighten them. Oh, John, bring me soon.” We can see that she has little concern for herself, but that her family comes first. She is not concerned with how scared she is, just how frightened her children will be. Because of this emotional scene, John is forced to develop a new identity. One that is brave and strong and stands up to what he knows is right. Where before his sins were kept secret, he will now have to face the truth in order for his character to become strong. “I will fall like an ocean on that court! Fear nothing, Elizabeth.” Here John is committed to tell the truth, even if it exposes his affair with Abigail. The imagery of him falling like an ocean on the court is one that makes him appear to be mighty, like the waves of the sea. It implies that he will tell all of the truth, and drown the judges with information in order to save her life. He knows he is committed to the cause when he confronts Abigail. “My wife will never die for me! I will bring your guts into your mouth but that goodness (Elizabeth) will not die for me!” John cannot turn back now. He has been shown the strength and bravery of his wife, and will now, at any cost, because of her, save this town from lies. As we near the end of the story, John

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