Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" is a play based on the Salem witch trials of the 1600's. The play is set in Salem, Massachusetts in the year 1692. The Puritan colony in which the story takes place is split into two main groups- Salem Village and Salem Town, forming much of the political roots and climate. Salem Town is of higher class, with businesses and industry, and Salem Village is a farming community of lower class. John Proctor, a farmer of Salem Village, shows his individuality from society through the course of the play by challenging the justice of the court while maintaining his beliefs.
John Proctor is a kind-hearted hardworking man who loves his wife dearly. However, he recently strayed from his wife and committed adultery with Reverend Parris' niece, Abigail Williams. This one small crime of lechery is the spark that sets off the fiery plot of "The Crucible".
Deposition of Abigail Williams v. George Jacobs, S...
"The witch no. 1" lithograph
The Pickman House, Back view that abuts the Salem ...John is beside himself with internal conflict; he is not proud of his actions and feels very guilty. When Abigail reaches out to him, he turns her away; "Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before I'll ever reach for you again. Wipe it out of mind. We never touched, Abby" (177). Because of Abigail's constant attempts to gain John's love, her games soon escalate into serious problems in the community. As John Proctor wants to move on and forget about Abigail and his sin, Abigail wants nothing more than for John to return her love. She will try everything possible to make him love her, "You loved me, John Proctor, and whatever sin it is, you love me yet!" (177). Abigail's first attempts to gain John's love through spells and witchcraft eventually are discovered, and as...