the crucible essay grade 12

The Crucible

Arthur miller, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

In the Puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, the town minister, Reverend Parris , discovers his daughter Betty , niece Abigail , and other girls dancing in the forest with his slave Tituba . Betty faints in fright at being discovered, and will not wake. Rumors of witchcraft spread through the town and a crowd gathers at Parris's house while Parris, nervous about his reputation, questions Abigail about what the girls were doing in the forest. Abigail says they were just dancing, though it soon comes out that Tituba was trying to conjure dead spirits.

Parris runs off to calm the crowd, and a local farmer named John Proctor winds up alone with Abigail. While Abigail was a servant in the Proctor household, she and Proctor had an affair. Abigail tells Proctor there was no witchcraft, and insists Proctor still loves her. Proctor, guilt-ridden over the affair, tells her it's over. As the crowd downstairs begins to sing a hymn, Betty starts screaming and Parris, Thomas Putnam , Ann Putnam , Rebecca Nurse , and Giles Corey come running into the room. An argument about whether witchcraft led to Betty's condition soon transforms into an argument about other local political issues. Just then, Reverend Hale , a noted investigator of witchcraft, arrives, and Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, and Giles Corey leave.

Under threat of punishment if she refuses to confess, Tituba breaks down and admits she communed with the devil. She begins to name other witches in the town. Abigail, seeing that she'll be punished unless she joins Tituba in naming names, leaps up and begins to name more witches. Betty wakes and joins in.

Eight days later, Proctor and his wife Elizabeth discuss the many people who have been charged with witchcraft by a court presided over by the deputy governor of the province. They learn from their servant Mary Warren , one of the girls accusing people in the town of witchcraft, that Elizabeth is herself accused. Elizabeth wants Proctor to expose Abigail as a fraud, but she suspects Proctor may still have feelings for the girl. As Proctor angrily denies it, Hale arrives to investigate the Proctors. He's soon followed by Giles Corey and Francis Nurse , whose wives have been accused of witchcraft and imprisoned. Moments later the authorities come and take away Elizabeth. Once they're alone, Proctor demands that Mary expose the other girls as frauds and promises to confront Abigail if he must.

Proctor brings Mary to court to expose the accusations as lies. The girls, led by Abigail, deny the charge. Proctor reveals his affair with Abigail to show that she's dishonest. To test Proctor's claim, Deputy Governor Danforth calls out Elizabeth, who Proctor says will never lie. But when asked if Proctor had an affair with Abigail, Elizabeth denies it to protect her husband's honor. Abigail and the other girls seize the moment to pretend Mary is attacking them with her spirit. Mary breaks under the strain and joins them, denouncing Proctor as an ally of the devil. Danforth orders Proctor's arrest. Hale, who now believes Proctor, denounces the actions of the court.

The witch trials cause anger and riots in nearby towns. A few days before Proctor and many others are scheduled to hang, Abigail steals money from Parris and vanishes. Parris and Hale try to get the people convicted of witchcraft to confess in order to save their lives, because Danforth refuses to stop or postpone the executions, saying it would not be fair to those already hanged. But Danforth does allow Elizabeth, who's pregnant and therefore safe from hanging, to talk to Proctor. After speaking with his wife, Proctor agrees to confess, but refuses to incriminate anyone other than himself. Once he signs his confession, he refuses to hand it over. His name is all he has left, he says, and he won't ruin it by signing lies. Danforth says that if Proctor is not honestly confessing, then he won't accept the confession. Proctor tears up the statement. Parris and Hale are horror-struck as Proctor goes to the gallows, but Elizabeth says he has gotten his "goodness" back.

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Essays on The Crucible

The crucible essay topic examples.

Engage deeply with the themes and characters in Arthur Miller's timeless play, The Crucible . Find a selection of essay topics, introduction paragraph examples, and conclusion paragraph examples for various essay types. Remember, your choice of topic can significantly impact the quality and depth of your essay.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays require you to analyze and present arguments related to the play. Here are some topic examples:

• 1. Analyze the role of fear and hysteria in driving the events of The Crucible .
• 2. Argue whether John Proctor's decision to confess or maintain his innocence is more heroic.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: Arthur Miller's The Crucible unfurls a harrowing tale of fear, suspicion, and mass hysteria in the context of the Salem witch trials. This essay delves into the pivotal role played by fear and hysteria in the unfolding drama, examining their effects on the characters and society in the crucible of accusations and trials.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: In conclusion, the exploration of fear and hysteria in The Crucible underscores their destructive power on both individual lives and the fabric of a community. As we reflect on the events in Salem, we are compelled to consider the consequences of allowing fear to govern our actions and judgments.

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast essays enable you to examine similarities and differences within the play or between it and other literary works. Consider these topics:

• 1. Compare and contrast the characters of John Proctor and Giles Corey in terms of their moral integrity.
• 2. Analyze the similarities and differences between the Salem witch trials depicted in The Crucible and the McCarthy era's witch hunt for communists in the 1950s.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: The characters of John Proctor and Giles Corey in Arthur Miller's The Crucible offer contrasting perspectives on moral integrity and resistance to injustice. This essay explores the distinctive qualities of these characters, shedding light on their respective roles in the tumultuous world of Salem.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of John Proctor and Giles Corey illuminate the multifaceted nature of moral integrity and resistance in the face of persecution. By examining these characters in tandem, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human virtue and defiance.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays allow you to vividly depict settings, characters, or events within the play. Explore these topic ideas:

• 1. Describe the eerie atmosphere of the courtroom during the witch trials in The Crucible .
• 2. Paint a detailed portrait of Abigail Williams, focusing on her motivations and manipulative tactics.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: The courtroom scenes in Arthur Miller's The Crucible are charged with tension and suspense. This essay endeavors to capture the haunting atmosphere of the courtroom during the witch trials, immersing the reader in the unsettling dynamics of the accusers and the accused.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: In conclusion, the descriptive portrayal of the courtroom in The Crucible not only serves as a backdrop but also mirrors the oppressive weight of injustice and fear. Through this exploration, we are reminded of the enduring power of setting and atmosphere in storytelling.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays involve arguing a point of view related to the play. Consider these persuasive topics:

• 1. Persuade your readers that Abigail Williams is the most morally reprehensible character in The Crucible .
• 2. Argue for or against the idea that the play is a timeless cautionary tale about the dangers of religious extremism.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: Abigail Williams, in Arthur Miller's The Crucible , emerges as a character shrouded in moral ambiguity and manipulation. This essay takes a persuasive stance in asserting that Abigail is the most morally reprehensible character, examining her actions and motivations within the crucible of Salem.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument against Abigail Williams in The Crucible highlights the character's destructive influence and moral culpability. As we reflect on the consequences of her actions, we are reminded of the dangers of unchecked ambition and manipulation in society.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays offer you the opportunity to tell a story or share personal experiences related to the themes of The Crucible . Explore these narrative essay topics:

• 1. Narrate a personal experience where you faced a moral dilemma similar to those in the play.
• 2. Imagine yourself as a character in Salem during the witch trials and recount your experiences.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In the crucible of everyday life, we often encounter moral dilemmas that challenge our principles and values. This narrative essay delves into a personal experience where I grappled with a moral dilemma akin to those faced by characters in Arthur Miller's The Crucible .

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my personal moral dilemma reflects the enduring relevance of the themes in The Crucible . It reminds us of the constant tension between individual conscience and societal pressure, urging us to reflect on the choices we make in our own lives.

Reverend Hale in The Crucible Analysis

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The Crucible Setting Analysis

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Self-reflection and Integrity in "The Crucible"

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Analysis of John Proctor as Tragic Hero in "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller

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January 22, 1953, Arthur Miller

Play; Tragedy

Abigail Williams, Reverend John Hale, Reverend Samuel Parris, John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor, Thomas Danforth, Mary Warren, John Hathorne, Giles Corey, Rebecca Nurse

McCarthyism allegory, which stands for the American prosecution of people accused of being communists.

Intolerance, Puritanism, Reputation, Hysteria, Goodness, Judgment

Historical reference to the Salem witch trials, which became a mental mirror of political hysteria.

It is based around a fictional story that speaks of Salem witch trials that take place in the Massachusetts Bay Colony with the young village girls being accused of witchcraft. As the girls are being caught by the local minister after being seen with the black slave named Tituba, one of the girls falls into a coma, which is seen as witchcraft. This Salem witch trial acts as the allegory of people being accused of Communist views.

One of the key themes in The Crucible is the aspect of goodness because every character in the book is concerned about religious factors and the ways how they will be judged by God after they die. It brings out a distorted view in terms of how far a person can go by accusing others or giving prompts of someone’s being wrong or bad. As the topics of conspiracy and being a silent witness clash in the book, it shows various comparisons of the Bay Colony to post WW2 society and the influence of the Communists. It can be approached as a reflection that one should use when thinking of what being honest and “finding one’s goodness” means.

FBI wanted the author to change one of his screenplays to make his script PRO-American by not making gangsters look like Communists. Miller's friends were also persecuted as they were asked to name those people they knew who could be the Communists. Miller tried to use as many facts as he could when speaking of Salem in 1692. The linguistic that is used in the play was converted to various speech patterns that have been used in the past and the territory. The Crucible did not have Broadway success in the beginning. Arthur Miller's passport was denied in Europe as he was told to leave since his views were against the national interests. The play has turned Salem into a popular tourist destination.

"Until an hour before the Devil fell, God thought him beautiful in Heaven." "I speak my own sins; I cannot judge another. I have no tongue for it." "It is rare for people to be asked the question which puts them squarely in front of themselves." "A child's spirit is like a child, you can never catch it by running after it; you must stand still, and, for love, it will soon itself come back." "We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law!"

It is an important subject when writing about inconsistencies and judgment in our society. The Crucible is a great reflection of various political agendas, religion, and social bias. Reading through the play, we are also looking at ourselves, which is why the book can be compared to any social injustice or any act where stereotypes have been used. You can use this book as a way to implement quotes when comparing anything from cheating to honesty.

Abigail Williams, the main protagonist, had an affair with John Proctor.

1. Salisbury, N. (2004). In the Devil's Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692. By Mary Beth Norton.(New York: Knopf, 2002. 436 pp. $30.00, isbn 0-375-40709-X.). (https://academic.oup.com/jah/article-abstract/91/1/201/762359) 2. Andrews, D. (2003). Mary Beth Norton, In the Devil's Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2002. vii 436 pp. ISBN 0-375-40709-X. Itinerario, 27(2), 177-179. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/itinerario/article/abs/mary-beth-norton-in-the-devils-snare-the-salem-witchcraft-crisis-of-1692-new-york-alfred-a-knopf-2002-vii-436-pp-isbn-037540709x/6A82CB362650054F3A059109B7C04FAA) 3. Budick, E.M. (1985). History and Other Spectres in Arthur Miller's The Crucible. Modern Drama 28(4), 535-552 (https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/50/article/498714/summary) 4. Popkin, H. (1964). Arthur Miller's" The Crucible". College English, 26(2), 139-146. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/373665) 5. Curtis, P. (1965). The Crucible. Critical Review, 8, 45. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/5dd8ecd8022057c725bea9b694347a10/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1817655) 6. Gerstle, G. (2017). American Crucible: Race and Nation in the Twentieth Century. Princeton: Princeton University Press. (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781400883097/html#APA) 7. Miller, T. (2023). The Crucible: McCarthyism and a Historical View of Witch Hunts. Humanities. (https://owlcation.com/humanities/The-Crucible-McCarthyism-and-a-Historical-View-of-Witch-Hunts) 8. Aziz, A. (2016). Using the past to intervene in the present: spectacular framing in Arthur Miller's The Crucible. New Theatre Quarterly, 32(2), 169-180. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/new-theatre-quarterly/article/abs/using-the-past-to-intervene-in-the-present-spectacular-framing-in-arthur-millers-the-crucible/8B437FE241799B43CF0F11838CC4D7E1) 9. Martin, R.A. (1977). Arthur Miller's The Crucible: Background and Sources. Modern Drama 20(3), 279-292. (https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/50/article/502227/summary)

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The Crucible

By arthur miller.

• The Crucible Summary

The Crucible , a historical play based on events of the Salem witchcraft trials, takes place in a small Puritan village in the colony of Massachusetts in 1692. The witchcraft trials, as Miller explains in a prose prologue to the play, grew out of the particular moral system of the Puritans, which promoted interference in others' affairs as well as a repressive code of conduct that frowned on any diversion from norms of behavior.

The play begins in the home of Reverend Samuel Parris , whose daughter, Betty, lays ill. Parris lives with his daughter and his seventeen-year old niece, Abigail Williams , an orphan who witnessed her parents' murder by the Indians. Parris has sent for Reverend Hale of Beverly, believing his daughter's illness stems from supernatural explanations. Betty became ill when her father discovered her dancing in the woods with Abigail, Tituba (the Parris' slave from Barbados) and several other local girls. Already there are rumors that Betty's illness is due to witchcraft, but Parris tells Abigail that he cannot admit that he found his daughter and niece dancing like heathens in the forest. Abigail says that she will admit to dancing and accept the punishment, but will not admit to witchcraft. Abigail and Parris discuss rumors about the girls: when they were dancing one of the girls was naked, and Tituba was screeching gibberish. Parris also brings up rumors that Abigail's former employer, Elizabeth Proctor , believes that Abby is immoral.

Thomas and Ann Putnam arrive and tell Parris that their daughter, Ruth, is sick. Ann Putnam admits that she sent Ruth to Tituba, for Tituba knows how to speak to the dead and could find out who murdered her seven children, each of whom died during infancy. When the adults leave, Abigail discusses Betty's illness with Mercy Lewis and Mary Warren , the servants of the Putnams and the Proctors, respectively. Abigail threatens them, warning them not to say anything more than that they danced and Tituba conjured Ruth's sisters. John Proctor arrives to find Mary and send her home. He speaks with Abigail alone, and she admits to him about the dancing. In the past, John and Abigail had an affair, which is the reason why Elizabeth Proctor fired her. Abigail propositions John, but he sternly refuses her. When Betty hears people singing psalms from outside, she begins to shriek. Reverend Parris returns, and realizes that Betty cannot bear to hear the Lord's name.

Giles Corey and Rebecca Nurse are the next to visit. The former is a contentious old man, while the latter is a well-respected old woman. Rebecca claims that Betty's illness is nothing serious, but merely a childish phase. Parris confronts Proctor because he has not been in church recently, but Proctor claims that Parris is too obsessed with damnation and never mentions God.

Reverend John Hale arrives from Beverly, a scholarly man who looks for precise signs of the supernatural. Parris tells him about the dancing and the conjuring, while Giles Corey asks if there is any significance to his wife's reading strange books. Hale questions Abigail, asking if she sold her soul to Lucifer. Finally Abigail blames Tituba, claiming that Tituba made Abigail and Betty drink blood and that Tituba sends her spirit out to make mischief. Putnam declares that Tituba must be hanged, but Hale confronts her. Upon realizing that the only way to save herself is to admit to the charge, Tituba claims that the devil came to her and promised to return her to Barbados. She says that several women were with him, including Sarah Good and Sarah Osburn, and the girls join in the chorus of accusations, name more people they claim to have seen with the devil.

The second act takes place a week later in the Proctor's home. John Proctor returns home late after a long day planting in the fields, and Elizabeth suspects that he has been in the village. Mary Warren has been there as an official of the court for the witchcraft trials, even after Elizabeth forbade her. Elizabeth tells John that she must tell Ezekiel Cheever , the constable, that Abigail admitted that Betty's sickness has nothing to do with witchcraft, but Proctor admits that nobody will believe him because he was alone with Abigail at the time. Elizabeth is disturbed by this, but Proctor reprimands her for her suspicion. Mary Warren arrives and gives Elizabeth a poppet that she made in court. Mary tells them that thirty-nine people have been arrested and Sarah Osburn will hang, but not Sarah Good, who confessed. When Proctor becomes angry at Mary, she tells him that she saved Elizabeth's life today, for her name was mentioned in court.

John Hale arrives. He tells the Proctors that Rebecca Nurse was charged, then questions Proctor on his churchgoing habits. Finally he makes Proctor state the ten commandments; he can remember nine of the ten, but Elizabeth must remind him of adultery. Proctor tells Hale what Abigail admitted about Parris discovering her in the woods, but Hale says that it must be nonsense, for so many have confessed to witchcraft. Proctor reminds him that these people would certainly confess, if denying it means that they be hanged. Hale asks Proctor whether he believes in witches, and he says that he does, but not those in Salem. Elizabeth denies all belief in witchcraft, for she believes that the devil cannot take a woman's soul if she is truly upright.

Ezekiel Cheever arrives to arrest Elizabeth on the charge that she sent her spirit out to Abigail and stuck a needle in her. Cheever finds the poppet, which has a needle in it, but Mary Warren says that she made the poppet in court that day, although Abigail witnessed her making it. Upon hearing the charge, Elizabeth claims that Abigail is a murderer who must be ripped out of the world. Proctor rips up the warrant and tells Cheever that he will not give his wife to vengeance. When Hale insists that the court is just, Proctor calls him a Pontius Pilate. He finally demands that Mary Warren come to court and testify against Abigail, but she sobs that she cannot.

The third act takes place in the vestry room of the Salem meeting house, which serves the court. Giles Corey arrives with Francis Nurse and tells Deputy Governor Danforth , who presides over the trials, that Thomas Putnam is charging people with witchcraft in order to gain their land. He also says that he meant nothing when he said that his wife read strange books.

John Proctor arrives with Mary Warren, and presents a deposition signed by Mary that asserts that she never saw any spirits. Parris thinks that they are there to overthrow the court, and Danforth questions whether Proctor has any ulterior motive, and tells Proctor that his wife is pregnant and thus will live at least one more year, even if convicted. Proctor also presents a petition signed by ninety-one people attesting to the good character of Elizabeth Proctor, Rebecca Nurse and Martha Corey. Parris claims that this is an attack upon the court, but Hale asks Parris if every defense is an attack on it.

Putnam arrives at the court, and Giles Corey charges him with murder. Giles tells Danforth that someone told him that Putnam prompted his daughter to accuse George Jacobs so that he could buy his land. Giles refuses to name this person, and so is arrested for contempt. Abigail then arrives with the other girls, and Proctor tells Danforth how Abigail means to murder his wife. Abigail pretends that she feels a sharp wind threatening her. Proctor grabs her by the hair and calls her a whore, finally admitting his affair.

Danforth orders that Elizabeth be brought to the court. If Elizabeth admits to firing Abigail for her affair, Danforth will charge Abigail with murder. Elizabeth, thinking that she is defending her husband, only claims that she fired Abigail because of poor work habits. Proctor cries out for Elizabeth to tell the truth, and Hale admits that Elizabeth's lie is a natural one to tell. Abigail then claims that Mary Warren's spirit is attacking her in the form of a bird. Although Mary claims that the girls are lying, she soon breaks down and tells Danforth that Proctor is in league with Satan and wants to pull down the court. Proctor cries out that God is dead, and that a fire is burning in Hell because the court is pulling Heaven down and raising up a whore. Hale denounces the proceedings and quits the court.

The fourth act takes places several months later in the autumn at the Salem jail cell. Cheever details how the town is in shambles because so many people are in jail. Hale has been begging Rebecca Nurse to admit to witchcraft. Parris arrives and tells Danforth how Abigail has vanished with Mercy Lewis and stolen his money. Parris worries about the rumors of rebellion against the witchcraft proceedings in Andover, but Hathorne reminds Parris how there has only been great satisfaction in all of the Salem executions. Parris reminds him that Rebecca Nurse is no immoral woman like the others executed and there will be consequences to her execution. Still, Danforth refuses to postpone any of the executions.

Danforth calls for Elizabeth Proctor, and Hale tells her that he does not want Proctor to die, for he would feel responsible for the murder. He tells Elizabeth that God may damn a liar less than a person who throws one's life away, but Elizabeth claims that this may be the Devil's argument. Finally Elizabeth agrees to speak with Proctor, who is brought in bearded and filthy. Proctor and Elizabeth discuss their children, and Elizabeth tells him how Giles Corey died: when he refused to answer yes or no to his indictment, and was thus pressed with stones until he would answer. He only gave the words "more weight" before they crushed him.

Proctor says that he cannot mount the gibbet as a saint, for it would be a fraud to claim that he has never lied. Elizabeth says that she has her own sins, for only a cold wife would prompt lechery. Finally Proctor decides that he will confess himself. Danforth demands a written confession and, to prove the purity of his soul, he demands that Proctor accuse others. Hale suggests that it is sufficient for Proctor to confess to God, but Danforth still requires a written statement. Proctor refuses, because he wishes only to keep his good name for the respectability of his children. Danforth refuses to accept his confession, and orders that he be hanged. Hale begs Elizabeth to plead with Proctor to sign a confession, but Elizabeth claims that Proctor now has his goodness, and nobody should take it away from him.

The Crucible Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Crucible is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

The Crucible, Act 2

1) Proctor believe the girls to be liars and tells Hale how Abigail said Parris discovered the girls sporting in the woods. Hale claims that it is nonsense, as so many have confessed, but Proctor says that anyone would confess if they will be...

As the act opens, who is being interrogated, and on what charge?

In the beginning of Act III, Martha Corey is being interrogated on charges of witchcraft.

why does reverend parris send for reverend hale?

Because Reverend Hale is an intelligent man who has studied witchcraft extensively.

Study Guide for The Crucible

The Crucible is a play by Arthur Miller. The Crucible study guide contains a biography of Arthur Miller, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Crucible
• Character List

Essays for The Crucible

The Crucible essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Crucible by Arthur Miller.

• Conformity, Imbalance of Power, and Social Injustice
• Sins and Ambitions
• The Stream of Conscience in Arthur Miller's The Crucible
• The Crucible as an Allegory
• Contemporary Events Leading to The Crucible

Lesson Plan for The Crucible

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Crucible
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Crucible Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for The Crucible

• Introduction
• Characters (in order of appearance)
• Notable casts
• Originality

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The Crucible Essay

The Crucible

            The intention of this essay is to break down the psychology of the characters within the crucible, in relation to Kollberg’s moral precepts. Specifically, we will discuss characters that behave in a strange or confusing manner and will refer to Kollberg’s moral precepts for explanation and understanding. Notably, Kollberg has three concepts and descriptions for what drives certain individuals to behave in odd or weird manner. The three categories are, pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. These concepts are important factors we must understand in order to have a better explanation for the behaviour, motivations and actions of characters found within The Crucible.

The first moral precept is pre-conventional which means that we behave in ways to avoid punishment and obtain reward. For example, Tituba is a character that portrays pre-conventional tendencies. During the “crying out scene”, after being told by Reverend Parris “I will whip you to your death if you do not confess” (Rev. Parris Act I) She immediately gave a false confession and complied with what the. It is evident that she began behaving in this way to avoid a whipping and death. Abigail Williams is another character who behaves in ways to obtain and avoid punishment. This is observed when we learn that Abigail “be aboard ship” (Rev. Parris Act IV) with Mercy Lewis. This displays Abigail’s strong preconventional mindset which encouraged her juristic decision of fleeing Salem to avoid punishment and ridicule. The final example found within The Crucible would be Mary Warren. Mary Warren clearly illustrated this moral precept several times throughout the play, particularly in relation to Abigail Williams. Mary Warren is found saying to John Proctor “She’ll kill me for sayin’ that” (Mary Warren Act II) when John Proctor asked her to explain how the poppet came to be, in order to set Elizabeth Proctor free from the allegations held against her. It is apparent that Mary Warren is quite fearful of Abigail and will not speak against her as a way to avoid punishment so, it is fair to say Mary Warren expresses preconventional attributes. In essences, The Crucible is able to portray a pre-conventional mindset through numerous characters throughout the play.

            The second Kollberg moral precept is conventional, which means we behave in certain ways in order to gain group acceptance. There are multiple examples found within The Crucible of this moral precept. For instance, Mary Warren displayed this behaviour when asked by Danforth why she lied about seeing the devil when she went to confess with John Proctor. She exclaimed “Everyone cried spirits, spirits” (Mary Warren Act III) this illustrates her want to be accepted by Abigail Williams and that she does not mind lying as long as long as everyone else is doing it as well. In addition, you can also find examples of wanting group acceptance through Betty. During the “crying out” scene after Abigail Williams and the other girls begin accusing other people in the town of witchcraft, Betty awakes from her sleep and begins shouting “I saw George Jacobs with the devil” (Betty Act I). Betty’s response to the behaviour of Abigail and the other girls reflects her need to be accepted, therefore making Betty a conventional individual. The last example of this moral precept is John Proctor. John Proctor shows his fear of being ridiculed and not accepted by members of the court when he hesitates to tell Mr. Hale about speaking privately with Abigail Williams. His wife, Elizabeth Proctor begins to encourage him “Tell him John” (Elizabeth Proctor Act II) noticing he is worried over the suspicion confessing that may draw. As a result of John Proctor’s hesitation, it highlights his desire for group acceptance and fear of being outcasted. In conclusion, The Crucible provides many examples of characters portraying conventional qualities.

            The final Kollberg moral precept is post-conventional. Post-conventional behaviour is when you have your own core values which cannot be influenced by others. People with this trait stand their group despite ridicule and punishment. There are numerous examples of this moral precept illustrated in The Crucible, the first being Giles Corey. Giles Corey was able to display this behaviour during his stoning when asked to give up information regarding Thomas Putnam. He simply replied, “More weight” (Giles Corey Act IV) then passed away. This shows that Giles Corey is willing to die for what he believes in, regardless of what others think. Proving he hold strong post-conventional tendencies. Another character who behaves in certain ways despite what other think or punishment is Elizabeth Proctor. Elizabeth Proctor highlights this behaviour towards the end of the play when Mr. Hale wants her to lie in order to save John Proctors life. She calmly response “He have his goodness now, God forbid I take it from him” (Elizabeth Proctor Act IV), displaying she no longer cares about what Mr. Hale or anyone else thinks. She believes that letting her husband die with his name is the right thing to do and refuses to get in the way of that. The final example found in The Crucible is Mr. Hale. In contrast to his beliefs in the beginning of the play, Mr. Hale realizes what he is a part of is wrong and tries to get Elizabeth Proctor to lie to save her husband’s life. “Plead with him, woman!” (Mr. Hale Act IV) he begs of her, despite knowing what her asks of her could get them both severely punished. Mr. Hale no longer allows Danforth to influence him and will behave this way regardless of what he thinks. Making Mr. Hale a perfect example of a post-conventional person. In closing, The Crucible portrays post-conventional behaviour through multiple characters.

            In conclusion, it is apparent that Kollberg’s moral precepts have been used in a thoughtful manner to thoroughly break down the behaviours, motivations, and actions of characters found within The Crucible. This essay was able to achieve a more in dept understanding of the strange or odd behaviour of these characters and relate them to Kollberg’s moral precepts in an insightful manner. Furthermore, this essay has also displayed reasons for why characters behave the way they do in certain situations. From the examples provided, we are now able to look at the behaviours of these characters in a more thoughtful and clear approach.

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