The Crucible Hypocrisy Theme

The theme, or subject matter, of a literary work is a very important element. This theme may attempt to teach a reader a lesson about life, such as nobility, hypocrisy, or fear. One such literary work that utilizes these themes is Arthur Millers The Crucible.

Miller wishes to show the reader that fear and suspicion are infectious and can produce a state of general hysteria that results in the destruction of public order and rationality. As soon as Betty and Ruth become unconscious and a story about dancing in the forest is revealed, the entire town of Salem goes into shock. Fear of witchcraft spreads like wildfire, and eventually several people are imprisoned and hung. Even the neighboring town of Andover is faced with a similar situation regarding witchcraft. The situation had become so bad due to the fact that enemies could be dealt with by simply
For this reason, John Proctor did not confess to witchcraft to save his life, but instead died. If he were to live, he would be forced to lie and say he dealt with the devil, and falsely accuse others of the same thing. While confessing to witchcraft to Danforth, Proctor is asked whom else he saw with the devil. Proctor says, They / think to go out like / saints. I like not to spoil their namesI speak my own / sins; I cannot judge another (4.1165). Here he is shown as a noble man who would not do harm to another. Rather than cast aside his values to save his life, Proctor lived and died according to his principles. Rather than say he took part in witchcraft to keep himself alive, he held fast and denied the false charges against him. To the death, Proctor wished to have a clean name, as he shouted to the judges, I have given you my soul; leave me my name (4.1166). Proctor had admitted to lechery with Abigail, so his main sin was revealed and overshadowed by the goodness exhibited