Character Motivations in The Crucible Essay - 553 Words

Motivations In the play, The Crucible,by Arthur Miller.Many characters have desires that drive them to pursue certain things.This affects the plot in many ways.In this puritan society,people strongly cared what other people think of them and how their reputation stands in the village.They always strive to make sure their actions reflect wisely on their names.A major motivation John Proctor,Abagail,and Parris share is pride in their names,which eventually leads to their ultimate downfall. When the play sets in action, John has had a past affair with his servant, Abigail Williams. His wife, Elizabeth Proctor, is very forgiving of his sin, but John has his mind set that he will not confess to anyone else, in fear of ruining his good†¦show more content†¦Proctor says to her, Youre coming to the court with me, Mary. You will tell it in the court. (Miller 80). This is to prove that he is not in volved in witchcraft. He does not want his name to even be associated with the thought. He there fore makes Mary testify to the court about her doll and therefore clears the accusation that he was doing what we consider voo-doo. Furthermore, at the end of the play Proctor is persistent by saying that no matter what anyone says to convince him differently, he would rather die an honest man and save his name. John Proctor took pride in his name. It took persistency to make his intent clear to others.He eventually dies for his cause. Therefore making him a martyr. For every protagonist(John Proctor) ,there is an antagonist Abagail Willams. After having an affair with John Abby gets fired from the Proctor household as their servant. When her uncle parris questions her on the subject she defends herself by saying† There be no blush on my name(Miller 15).This implies that her name is white which is the color of purity. Red was the color of impurity and sin. She lies to her own uncle by saying that she has done nothing that would cause people to think badly of her. Eventually after this incidentShow MoreRelatedThe Forced Dilemmas for the Characters in The Crucible by Arthur Miller1027 Words   |  4 Pagesoccasion of severe test or trial.† is the most obvious definition the Dictionary gives of the word â€Å"Crucible† that would relate to the title of the novel. However not many think to consider the other definition of the word which is â€Å"a little ceramic or metal container which is used for the purpose of metals or oth er substances to be melted or subjected to very high temperatures†. In other words a â€Å"Crucible† is a small container which is pact with aggressive results; which fully relates to Salem throughoutRead MoreAnalysis Of Arthur Miller s The Crucible 1732 Words   |  7 PagesThe conflict that presents itself to the characters Reverend Parris, Reverend Hale, and John Proctor forces them to reflect upon themselves and ultimately change the nature of how the deal with conflict in the world. II. 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The Crucible provides great examples with how hysteria can affect a group of people. Back in Salem, Massachusetts 1692, hysterics swept the town, creating a storm of emotions. Everyone wondering, what t o do? What to think? In The Crucible, Arthur Miller uses the effects of mass hysteria to reveal his purpose of using it in his writing, how society at that time reacts toRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1579 Words   |  7 PagesThe Crucible is a 1953 play by the famous play writer and author, Arthur Miller. It is a partially fictional story of the Salem Witch Trials which took place during 1692 and 1693 in Salem, Massachusetts. Miller wrote the play as an allegory of McCarthyism; when the United States government blacklisted accused communists. 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