Adultery and punishments of adultery in The Crucible The Crucible is set in Salem, Massachusetts, 1692. Back in 1692, adultery was a serious crime, especially since society was based around extreme Puritanism. In 17th century Salem, people proven guilty of adultery would often times be hung, stoned, or even tar and feathered. These methods of punishment are still apparent in some of today’s religious societies however. Amina Lawal sat in a court room while waiting to hear her fate which was to be determined by several other men. Amina was convicted of adultery by Islamic court in March of 2002. According to Muslim law she should be buried up to her neck and then stoned to death. While awaiting her prosecution Lawl states “Everyone will die at one time or another, even those who will stone me. Why be afraid?” Showing much bravery, Lawl seems to accept her fate. This situation is very similar to what could have happened to Abigail in The Crucible for having sexual relations with the married Proctor. Somehow, Abigail avoids punishment, even after the Proctors wife finds out about the relationship, and releases Abigail of her duties as their housekeeper. However, Abigail doesn’t seem to be done with Proctor, because sometime after committing her act of adultery she proceeds to try and convince Proctor that they should be together, even though he is married. This may lead to get Abigail into trouble because Proctor threatens to whip her. All in all punishment for
