The Crucible

Main Characters

John Proctor-local farmer.

Elizabeth Proctor- John’s wife

Reverend Parris- Minister of Salem

Abigail Williams- Parris’s niece. She had an affair with Proctor. Leader of the girls.

Reverend Hale- Witchcraft ‘expert’

The Putnams- Local couple

Tituba - A slave from Barbados

Danforth - A Judge

Themes

Reputation - Throughout the book this theme is shown by Parris and Danforth.

Guilt - John feels guilt because of his affair and that is the only reason why he does not reveal it and therefore things go south for him and many other people.

Power - Danforth doesn't like when people go against him as we can see with Giles and Hale. Giles was arrested by Danforth and Hale was threatened by Danforth as he started to doubt him.

Love - Throughout the play, Abigail is in love with John Proctor and had an affair with him.

Threat - Abigail threatens to kill girls, Danforth threatens Hale

Context

Puritans - They were Christians who followed the teachings of the Bible extremely strictly. They were very religious and not allowed any form of entertainment, even listening to music

Arthur Miller - He wrote the play during the Cold War and McCarthy’s anti – communist campaign. Many writers and entertainer were accused of communism, including Miller himself

Children - were seen as young adults with no time to play and punished if they misbehaved.

Witch Trials - The Crucible is based on the real Salem Witch Trials that happen in 1692 where trials led to mass hysteria and over 150 people accused of witchcraft.