Crucible

Arthur Miller's play The Crucible describes the witch hunts and hysteria of Salem, Massachusetts. At the onset of the play a group of young women dance in the forest, including Tituba, a black slave, Betty, who is the Reverend Parris's daughter, and Abigail Williams. Abigail Williams turns out to be the play's antagonist, a manipulative woman who helps bring about the downfall of the play's protagonist, John Proctor. Proctor and Abigail had an affair the previous year, and Abigail again tries to seduce Proctor who refuses her advances. Out of spite, Abigail participates in a massive deception, causing the entire town to suspect a group of people of witchcraft.

The play's protagonist is John Proctor, who struggles with the dark secret of his adulterous affair with Abigail Williams. Eventually Proctor is forced to choose between telling the truth and ruining his reputation; the truth will expose the witchcraft hysteria for what it is but it will also ruin Proctors good standing in the community. Therefore, the central conflict in the play consists of a man-against-himself scenario in which Proctor's own conscience haunts him. Proctor knows the hysteria is caused by lies and the deceit of Abigail Williams yet Proctor feels powerless to reveal the truth. While he resists coming completely clean and exposing his affair, he eventually tells the whole truth, but only after the town is in chaos.

The climax of The Crucible occurs toward the end of the play when Mary accuses Proctor of being a witch and he is summarily arrested. Prior to this the action builds as several girls in the play get caught up in the witch hysteria. Proctor's arrest at the hands of his servant Mary marks the downfall of his pride and his reputation. Proctor eventually offers a full confession but he honorably refuses to falsely label anyone as a witch.

Disillusioned but determined to spiritually redeem himself, Proctor tears up his confession. The resolution of the play occurs at this point, when Proctor makes peace with himself. Although the ending of The Crucible is tragic and Proctor is sent to the gallows, he establishes himself as a true hero. The play has several themes, including the theme of personal pride as well as of mob mentality taking over the better interests of community justice.