Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible Essay Example

and betrayal of their marriage vows. Elizabeth is commonly associated with coldness due to her absence of emotional expression. "It is winter in here yet," remarks Elizabeth at the end of the play, acknowledging her own chilly demeanor.
On the other hand, Abigail, a young and attractive girl, is linked with heat and passion. Even after seven months since their affair ended, she still harbors feelings for John and relentlessly pursues him. "I have a sense for heat, John," she declares. Abigail recognizes Elizabeth's nature and believes that John does not deserve such treatment. She endeavors to communicate this to John by stating, "You are no wintry man, John." Abigail is determined to win John back and is willing to go to extreme measures. She even contemplates murdering John Proctor's wife using a charm. Abigail's overwhelming temptation for John ultimately leads to catastrophe.

Although Abigail is commonly associated with evil and the more enigmatic aspects of life, there are moments when one may find themselves feeling sympathetic towards her. Firstly, when she was a child, her parents were ruthlessly killed right beside her. "I saw Indians smash my dear parents' heads on the pillow next to mine." This traumatic experience alone would undoubtedly leave her in a state of distress and emotional trauma. Miller includes this event in the play to provide some insight into why Abigail displays such wicked behavior.

Abigail's unethical character and readiness to employ violence, evidenced by her violent shaking of Betty, instigates terror among the other girls. In addition to threats, she physically abuses them too - for instance, she strikes Betty while aggressively commanding her silence. However, understanding Abigail’s circumstances can

evoke empathy towards her. Being an orphan has caused her significant emotional suffering and currently, she is dealing with the heartbreaking loss of John Proctor, who meant the world to her.

Comprehending Abigail's emotions might seem challenging, but empathizing with her can be achievable if you make an effort to connect. John represented her initial genuine relationship, suggesting that perhaps she didn't truly harbor feelings of love for him and he was merely a youthful infatuation. Given it was a novel experience for her, it's plausible that she struggled to identify her feelings and ended up feeling bewildered. Upon first joining the Proctors' home, Abigail found herself in a vulnerable state and not accustomed to the environment. She could have perceived John as a fatherly figure - something she never had before - leading her sentiments to gradually develop into love over time. Even after several months since their romantic involvement ended, Abigail continues to exhibit flirtatious behavior towards John.

Abigail is a talented actress who excels at quickly changing her personality and characteristics, which adds to her power as a character. "(Since Proctor's entrance, Abigail has been captivated by his presence, wide-eyed.)" Abigail repeatedly flirts with John in an attempt to elicit a reaction or a sign of his continued love for her. "Gah! I'd almost forgotten how strong you are, John Proctor." Miller has written John to display conflicting reactions, creating confusion for the audience. "(His smile widens)" However, moments later, he declares, "I will cut off my hand if I ever reach for you again, wipe it out of mind."

This play keeps the audience engaged by continuously causing them to wonder who John will

ultimately choose. Will he remain faithful to his marriage and uphold his vows, or will he stray once again? Arthur Miller intentionally adds drama and suspense to appeal to a modern audience. John becomes frustrated with himself for sending conflicting messages - some indicating that he still loves Abigail and feels the same way he once did. As a result, Abigail manipulates her character to elicit sympathy from John, pleading, "Give me a word John, a soft word." She longs for affection and believes that John still harbors feelings for her. Miller skillfully reveals another facet of John's character, keeping the audience guessing. To gain more sympathy and pity, Abigail completely transforms herself into a young, sweet, and innocent girl, pleading with John, "John, pity me." If John had not sent these mixed signals, much of the pain and agony experienced by certain families could have been avoided. Furthermore, many deaths would not have occurred. Abigail may have left John alone, and none of this torment would have transpired. Thus, Abigail should not be solely to blame for the suffering endured by some individuals.

John realizes he's been giving out mixed signals and thus, opts to clarify matters by directly telling Abigail their relationship is over. He strongly declares, "Should I ever try to reach for you once more, I will sever my hand and blot it from my memory." John alleges that he hasn't strayed far from his farm post the affair which is not accurate. Abigail knows this fact very well and keeps confusing him further by implying that he still feels attracted towards her and can't help but be in her presence.

John is

still enticed by this seductress. "I possess a keen perception for passion, John, and yours has enticed me to my window, where I have observed you gazing up, consumed by your solitude. Abigail refuses to let John go and persistently urges him, seeking the desired response. Miller purposely incorporates this dynamic for theatrical suspense, leaving the audience guessing and contemplating John's choices. Throughout the entire play, Abigail remains unable to release or relinquish John, and her emotional state drives her to commit disturbing acts on his behalf. "You consumed a potion with the intent of killing John Proctor's wife."

Without fail, Abigail resides in a realm of illusion and yearning, believing that John still harbors affection for her. This illusion persists until the courtroom scene, wherein John finally denounces her as what she truly is: a prostitute. "How do you summon heaven? Prostitute! Prostitute!" This harsh proclamation is the only means through which John can communicate unequivocally to Abigail that their affair is at an end, even if it may result in his own demise. He understands that adultery was punishable by hanging during that era, and his guilt could potentially lead to such a fate. To safeguard the lives of others and expose Abigail as the deceitful individual she truly is, John realizes he must confess his affair to Danforth. "(trembling, as his life crumbles around him): I have been acquainted with her, sir. I have been acquainted with her." Finally, Abigail comprehends that there is no hope left between her and John.

During this part of the play, Mary Warren is being interrogated about witchcraft. Despite already calling Abigail a liar, Mary is forced to

play along with Abigail's false accusations due to Abigail's impressive acting abilities and dominant personality. Abigail cunningly accuses Mary Warren of sending her spirit to torment them, which convinces Danforth to believe her. Consequently, Mary Warren is left with no alternative but to accuse John of practicing witchcraft, as she realizes that she cannot outmatch Abigail's strength of character. "(Pointing at Proctor): You're the devil's man!" Mary likely resorts to this action because she recognizes that she cannot defeat Abigail and feels compelled to join her in this theatrical performance.

After observing Abigail, my attention shifted to Elizabeth and I discovered that these two characters, Abigail and Elizabeth, are polar opposites. Miller deliberately portrays these opposites for dramatic effect in the play, which captivates the audience and leaves them curious to know who John will choose. Elizabeth has been intentionally crafted to be uninteresting and ordinary, symbolizing coldness and winter. She conceals her emotions, keeping them suppressed as if she lacks any.

Elizabeth is aware of her plainness and suppresses her emotions. She acknowledges, "I never knew how to express my love. My aloofness created a cold atmosphere." Consequently, some blame for John's infidelity could be attributed to her. It is possible that if she was not so detached and unemotional, John would not have strayed from their marriage and been enticed by Abigail. Elizabeth is devoutly religious. Even though the affair has ended and several months have passed, she still refuses to forgive John for this grave transgression, considering it a significant offense.

John does his best to deny the affair and move on with his life alongside Elizabeth. However, Elizabeth feels differently and refuses to lie,

not even to herself or to John or anyone else. Miller has depicted her as religious and sensitive to dishonesty in order to heighten the drama at the end of the play, which ultimately condemns John. Despite John's efforts to express his love for Elizabeth and convince her that he is committed to her, she does not reciprocate these feelings or affections. It is almost as if she is devoid of emotions. As a result, John and Elizabeth's marriage remains unremarkable and plain.

Elizabeth grapples with articulating her feelings for John, leading to an absence of outward emotion. Nonetheless, she receives his kiss willingly. Despite this acceptance, Elizabeth's ability to pardon John for his misdeeds is strained and creates friction in their partnership. This lingering discord may influence John's decision to choose death over a life with Elizabeth. Unlike Abigail who resonates with enigma and demonic presence, Elizabeth takes comfort and direction from her faith. She complies meticulously with the doctrines of Christianity, notably the Ten Commandments, harboring hope in life after death. Elizabeth staunchly believes that absolution for John isn't hers to grant but falls under God's purview.

Elizabeth proudly expresses her devoutness to her Christian faith, proclaiming herself as a sincere Christian woman. She reveals this to Parris, which explains why she cannot forgive John based on her religious convictions. Elizabeth does not feel justified in passing judgment on John, stating, "I can not judge you, John." While Elizabeth resides in a heavenly realm of faith, John is more grounded and practical in his approach. Elizabeth's profound belief in her religion and the afterlife enables her to ultimately accept John's decision to sacrifice his life.

Additionally, Elizabeth possesses a firm and resolute nature, once she makes a choice, she refuses to change her mind. She believes that the impact of the affair is still lingering within John's heart, suggesting that he still harbors feelings for Abigail. Elizabeth compares these unresolved emotions to a perpetual funeral procession within one's heart.

Often coming back from the fields late, John's tardiness stirred suspicions in Elizabeth that he might be secretly meeting Abigail in Salem. Despite knowing about Abigail and her companions' dubious claims of encountering spirits - a sham John is fully aware of and the only one who knows its falseness - he chooses not to reveal this deceit in court. This reluctance to take action intensifies Elizabeth's uncertainty regarding the nature of John and Abigail's relationship.

Would you still waver if Abigail wasn't the one inflicting pain? I doubt that. "John, my perspective is clear." These two women also differ in their looks. Abigail is a youthful and beautiful girl, contrasting with Elizabeth who is matured and modest-looking. "John, I've always seen myself as simple and unimpressive, convinced no one could genuinely cherish me!" Until the end of the drama, Abigail persists on deceit and sentiment to win over John while Elizabeth's character is marked by her sincerity and truthfulness. "Sir, she has never lied at any point in her life."

There are those who are unable to sing and those who are unable to weep - My wife cannot lie. I have invested a lot to discover this fact, sir. " Miller intentionally created Elizabeth to be an honest and truthful individual because this ultimately puts her in a difficult predicament, adding pressure

and enhancing the drama of the play. She must decide whether to confess her husband's infidelity or to lie in order to salvage their marriage. However, Elizabeth is unaware that no matter what she says, it will incriminate John. Nevertheless, if she chooses to be truthful about John's adultery, it will also lead to the downfall of Abigail."

Elizabeth's obliviousness in the court prompts her to utter her first-ever falsehood, aimed at sparing John. However, this misrepresentation paradoxically leads to his demise. In most of the play, Abigail is depicted as a robust and commanding figure, with Elizabeth painted as timid and frail. But fate turns the tables towards the end, swapping their roles. Eventually, Abigail concedes that she can't possess John and absconds.

Elizabeth, however, decides, moments prior to John's imminent execution, that she will finally reveal her true emotions for him and how deeply she loved him. "(with tears welling in her eyes)" "(now, expressing her feelings wholeheartedly.)" This places an immense amount of pressure on John as he now must decide between confessing to witchcraft and being able to finally live in harmony with his wife and their soon-to-be-born child or staying true to his beliefs and morals and facing death for what is right and moral. Throughout the play, Miller has presented John with numerous difficult choices, but this one is undoubtedly the most challenging.

John's experiences and beliefs contribute to the dramatic nature of the play. Elizabeth recognizes and shares John's convictions, which enables her to support his decision to die for his principles. Elizabeth comprehends that John cannot live a dishonest life. In a sense, John dies as a heroic figure

of Christianity. Conversely, if Abigail were in John's position, she would exert all efforts to change his mind and prevent his death. Abigail's self-centeredness prevents her from comprehending and accepting John's beliefs, and she would not allow him to sacrifice himself.

Abigail is a highly dominant character throughout the play and possesses the ability to effectively resolve any difficulties she encounters using diverse approaches. As the play progresses, Abigail’s authority increases steadily and reaches its pinnacle when she fearlessly confronts anyone. Eventually, she gains ultimate control over every character if needed. At the beginning of the play, she faces significant trouble with Parris after he discovers her and the girls dancing in the woods, an act that could result in her being whipped if exposed in court.

First and foremost, Parris is angrily confronting Abigail for potentially bringing a witch into his household. As a reverend, if a witch is found in his home, he would lose his position in the church. "(With anger): I saw it! " Meanwhile, Abigail puts on an act of innocence and claims she would never harm Betty, whom she loves dearly. However, we later see that this statement is false when Abigail physically assaults Betty. Interestingly, a few minutes later, the roles completely reverse as Abigail becomes the stronger character and starts attacking Parris. Parris ends up apologizing to Abigail in order to get her off the hook.

Abigail demonstrates immense strength, fearlessly confronting even the formidable Danforth. "(Approaching Danforth): How do you dare to judge me?" It could be seen as self-destructive. Danforth possesses the power to decide life or death. She even dares to issue a warning. "(Threateningly): Watch yourself,

Mr. Danforth. Do you believe your power is impenetrable to the forces of evil? Beware!"

Such actions would typically guarantee one's demise. However, due to her character growth throughout the play and her exceptional acting skills, she boldly faces this man without fearing death. It is difficult to fathom how countless people were hanged for something as absurd as witchcraft. In today's society, belief in witches and witchcraft is non-existent, making it challenging for a modern audience, like myself, to connect with such a play. To address this, Miller introduced John and Abigail's affair, providing a relatable element that heightens the drama and impact.