THE CRUCIBLE - theme essay Flashcards
introduction
- “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller deals with the theme of honour through the development of the character of John Proctor.
- It is evident that honour is very important to Proctor, however we quickly learn that he has dented this core element of his character by betraying himself, his wife and his society as he has committed lechery – he has had an affair with Abigail Williams, which causes him immense shame.
- His reputation is still very important to him though, which results in the inner conflict that plagues him throughout the play: he hates himself for what he has done, and struggles to regain his self-respect.
- This in turn fuels a further a moral dilemma for Proctor when he must stand against the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials, which stems from his rejection of Abigail. - Proctor must then sacrifice his honour when his wife, Elizabeth, is accused of witchcraft as Abigail’s revenge and although it is extremely painful for Proctor to publicly admit to his sin, he does it.
- Proctor’s personal honour is still as stake until the end of the play, however, and his self-hatred almost causes him to confess to witchcraft when he is accused.
- His character dramatically changes through this internal conflict, as he eventually concludes that his honour is in fact of the
upmost importance to him. Therefore, through Proctor, we appreciate the theme of honour as it becomes clear that it is intrinsic to his character.
paragraph one
Establishment of the importance of honour to Proctor
P: Proctor is plagued by his lechery as he has disappointed himself and he knows that his behaviour would ruin his reputation.
E: “He is a sinner, a sinner not only against the moral fashion of time, but against his own vision of decent conduct.”
paragraph two
Proctor sacrifices his honour to save his wife
P: Although it is extremely difficult for Proctor and it will come at great personal cost, he sacrifices his honour in order to reveal his affair and save his wife – in doing so he believes it will be evident that Elizabeth has been spitefully charged of witchcraft.
E:“[trembling, his life collapsing before him]: I have known her, sir. I have known her. […] I have made a bell of my honour! I have rung the doom of my good name – you will believe me, Mr Danforth! My wife is innocent, except she knew a whore when she saw one!”
paragraph three
Proctor struggles to give up his honour in order to save his life
P: When Proctor is charged of witchcraft after speaking out against the court, he is faced with a further moral dilemma – he could lie and confess to witchcraft in order to save his life, or he could remain honest and refuse to sign a confession which will bring about his execution. It is a difficult decision for him to make, because his honour is so important to him.
E:“[with a cry of his soul] “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 you my soul; leave me my name!”
paragraph four
Proctor regains personal honour
P: In making the decision to remain true to himself and die with dignity, Proctor acknowledges that his honour is more important to him than his life and in doing so, he regains respect for himself which marks an important turning point in the play and indeed for Proctor’s character.
E: “[his eyes full of tears] I can. And there’s your first marvel, that I can. You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor.”
P: Elizabeth reiterates the fact that his honour is sacred and because of this, she will not interfere with his decision to die.
E: “He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!”
conclusion
- In conclusion, “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller powerfully presents the theme of honour through the development of the character of John Proctor.
- From the beginning of the play, it is obvious that honour defines Proctor, which is why it is immensely difficult for him to deal with his lechery.
-This shame plagues him throughout and yet he publicly admits to his affair, even though he knows it will ruin his reputation, in order to save Elizabeth when she is accused of witchcraft by Abigail.
-This contempt of court in turn results in Proctor himself being accused of witchcraft and rather than be dishonest in order to live, he refuses to sign a confession and willingly dies in order to preserve his reputation. - This turning point emphasises the theme of honour as it indicates how truly important it is to Proctor – it is worth dying for.
- Therefore, the theme of honour is effectively presented through this character as it is intrinsic to every point of his development throughout the play.
