The Crucible is an adaptation of Arthur Miller’s true story. It takes place 1692, in Salem, Massachusetts. This small village was the scene of witch trials that began due to a series. There are many twists and turns in the story that lead to Salem’s decrepit end. Proctor starts the story by having an affair, at seventeen years old, with Abigail Williams. In order to maintain his status, Proctor intends to keep his dirty deeds secret. Abigail is told by John that he will forget about it and that he won’t be coming to visit him again. Proctor sees the problem in keeping his affair covered up until Elizabeth and the other Salem witch trial suspects are indicted. To save Elizabeth, Proctor discovers that Abigail had all of this power. Proctor finally admits to his sin (Miller 110). Proctor doesn’t give Abigail any name, but he begins to describe his feelings towards her. Proctor attempts another attempt. Proctor starts crying and admits embarrassment. (Miller 110). This confession is made to save Elizabeth. John Proctor and Abigail Williams’ affair changed the lives in Salem. Although there are many possible causes, Proctor’s affair with Elizabeth was primarily due to Elizabeth’s ineptness to Proctor. The final act is when Elizabeth and John are discussing possible issues that led to their affair. She mentions that she has “sins of my own,” and that it is necessary for Elizabeth to be cold to provoke lechery. Perhaps this refers to Elizabeth being a strict, cold woman. She acknowledges that she was not able to tell her love how she wanted, because the house was too cold.
Elizabeth was not openly devoted to John and had difficulty expressing her feelings for him. John may have also been drawn to Abby by Elizabeth’s long-term illness. Abby’s manipulation and opportunist personality, which Abby took advantage to get the things she wanted, was also a factor. Abby wants to marry John. Abby’s anger at Elizabeth for kicking Abby out because of her affair leads to an increased hatred that will eventually lead Abigail and Elizabeth to accuse Elizabeth that she is a witch. Act 1 shows us this. Abby calls Elizabeth an “almost bitter woman”, a lying, cold woman…a gossiping lunatic!” She is angered at Elizabeth for kick-starting her from John’s bed. John enters and Abby tells her, “I’m waiting to you every night,” as she expresses her longing for John. “I marvel how such strong men can let such weakly ill wife decide what they will do.” Abby’s hatred for and envy lead directly to witchcraft accusations. Elizabeth is arrested when she uses the poppet’s needle to accuse Elizabeth. Actually, the whole purpose of the witchcraft accusations was to conceal that Abby had gone into the woods to drink “a charm for killing Goody Proctor.” Miller then arranges the witch hunt so that Abby’s hatred of Elizabeth is the main reason. John and Elizabeth also felt cold and tension as a result of their affair. Act two is seven months later and they still have quarrels over the situation. The whole opening scene shows them awkwardly and stiltfully arguing about the affair. John expresses disappointment at Elizabeth’s treatment and refusal to forgive. Elizabeth also inquires about John entering the town. John thinks not. One final consequence is his hatred of himself. I am not this man, Elizabeth, my honesty is broken; I’m not a good man.” His low self-worth from his sins leads him to confess. Although he does eventually change his mind, he still feels that he cannot pretend integrity at the hangingman’s noose. John Proctor was found guilty of the Abigail affair. This was what caused all the misfortunes in Salem. Abigail was only looking for revenge. Abigail did what she wanted with the Salem girls, and many innocent people were hurt in the process.
