Morality In The Crucible Essay

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Morality is choosing what is right, regardless of what one is told. The Crucible, by Arthur Miller is a play that takes place during the Salem Witch Trials in the 17th century. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was a theocracy with a strict Puritan doctrine. The people of Salem begin to accuse each other of witchcraft for personal gain, which causes hysteria among the townspeople. One of the accused is Elizabeth Proctor, the wife of John; they are simple farmers living on the outskirts of Salem. She is accused by Abigail Williams, the mistress of John Proctor whom he later rebukes. John is not very religious, rarely attends mass, and is not a firm believer in the Puritan religion but still demonstrates moral righteousness. Arthur Miller teaches that religion does not …show more content…
At the end of the act, John is talked into confessing for conspiring with the devil, a crime he did not commit, in order to save his life. When he is asked however, to sign his name to be put on the church door, John refuses. Proctor dies honorably for seeking the truth: “You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs.” (211 Miller). Proctor chooses to die free and in doing so is forgiven by Elizabeth for his transgressions on earth. Even though he is not religious, he can now kneel before God proclaiming he died for the truth, instead of living a lie created by Puritan ideology for personal gain. The decision left a legacy of honor rather than shame for his children and those around him to look up to. The ultimate sacrifice of life for what is right is upstanding and righteous. In The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, the author ironically paints Proctor as pure, while the self righteous puritans are characterized as weak and sinful. John's actions reveal his ethical character. His reconciliation with Elizabeth, refusal to judge others, and confession of lechery are
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