"The Crucible" Critical evaluation.

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"The Crucible"

Critical evaluation

By

Gordon Walker

In the play " the crucible" by Arthur Millar, the main character John proctor is faced by a number of important decisions that come to a dramatic climax upon which John has to decide wither to keep his name, integrity and honour or keep his life.

John was found in this uncompromising situation during the puritan time of 1692, in a small village situated in the state of Massachusetts called Salem. During this time the settlers of Salem were devoted Christians and had a deep believe in the existence of witches, and in believing their alliance with Satan saw them as a work of pure evil, and as a direct enemy of god and subsequently themselves. During a time where accusations of witchcraft are frequent, and taken with increasing belief, a difficult situation arises for john's strong rebellious, and somewhat unusual character. Arthur Millar himself describes him as "a man in his prime.... with a quiet confidence and an unexpressed, hidden force"; John Proctor is a different character from the norm in his village, a fact even emphasized by the mere fact he lives five miles out for the village in a neighboring farm. This link in his physical difference from the town can be directly linked to his emotional difference with its citizens. Unlike his fellow Salem’s john is a man of principles, who doesn't blindly follow authority, and who fights for what he believes is right and true no matter whom he is challenging. Once such conflict to show this element of his character can be seen in his discontent with the town reverend Parris. John feels that Parris is not a suitable minister, in a time where people where expected to simply follow orders he defies and clearly admits it "...take it to heart, Mr. Parris. There are many who stay away from church these days because you hardly mention God anymore”, and when told of an opposing faction to rev. Parris he says "why then I must find it and join it" then continuing to back up his statement with "I mean it solemnly...I like not the smell of his "authority" " showing his sheer lack of intimidation by authority. John’s bravery, and reluctance to simply follow the majority is also shown in his skeptical view of the initial cry of witchcraft. John responds by implying that the talk of witchcraft is ridiculous, which can be seen when he first speaks to Rev. Hale " I've heard you are a sensible man, Mr. Hale. I hope you'll leave some of it in Salem".

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John Proctor makes a number of decisions throughout the play all a different fork in the road that leads to his final destiny, all leading to his final culminating decision. The first Major decision that John makes is when Elizabeth is taken to court, and John decides to take Mary and go to the court to expose Abigail’s lie "you're coming to the court with me, Mary. You will tell it in court". This is a significant decision as John knows fine well that his challenging of the court could very well expose his own impurities i.e. his affair with ...

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