"the crucible” by arthur miller

The Crucible talks about witchcraft trials that occurred in Salem, Massachusetts around 1692. The play discusses a story about three girls named Betty and Abigail who were seen by Reverend Parris dancing in the woods with Tituba. Later, Betty became sick and unconscious.

The news about witchcraft spreads, and many people gathered in Parris’s home where Reverend Hale; an expert in witchcraft, is invited to determine whether the illnesses in Salem was caused by witchcraft. He realizes that the girls were dancing with Tituba who can conjure spirits. Tituba and the girls confesses to being involved in witchcraft. Abigail stated that she had given herself to the devil. Elizabeth who is married to Proctor is also accused of witchcraft. Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, and Elizabeth are put into Prison due to witchcraft allegations. Hale’s effort to convince the prisoners to confess fails.

Reputation is one of the major themes in the play. Reputation refers to one’s image in the eyes of other people; it is the public opinion regarding a person. Having a good reputation in The Crucible is an important aspect. There are several cases of people protecting their reputation. Proctor is an example of a character who regard his reputation as important. For instance, when the girls accused him of evil, and he was arrested, Reverend Hale pleads with him to confess to avoid being hanged. He makes the confession and signs the affidavit, but he refuses to give it to the court. Instead, he tears it. This is because he cannot bear it, confessing that he is a witchcraft which would ruin his reputation. Proctor cried out, Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given my soul; leave me my name! This implies that he was protecting his reputation.

The Crucible play contains several themes, but reputation is the main one. We should strive to create a good reputation and never lie to protect ourselves. Despite the fact that Proctor was a good man, he committed adultery. Therefore, he should have confessed to avoid all the drama surrounding his family. Therefore, our actions determine our reputation.