Analyzation of Characters in the Crucible

Shah Akbur Ms. Jones AP Language 1 December 2009 The Crucible True Purpose One of the factors that can be accredited to starting the hysteria over witchery in the Crucible is the weakness of several of the characters in the story. The fear and lack of mental stability of these characters are a pivotal reason as to why these trials took place. It was Parris’s fear of his reputation being tarnished by his daughter’ssickness that led him to bring John Hale which eventually spirals down to the whole witch hunting hysteria. It was Tituba’s fear of being hanged that led her to accuse all those people of being involved with the devil. It was John Proctors reluctance to get involved that led to the downfall of him as well as the town. It is our natural impulse as people to avoid anything that will either bring us harm physically or mentally without considering other perspectives of the situation. We make certain decisions without accumulating significant aspects; people can be blinded by fear as well as love. Like fear love is another weakness that is portrayed by a character in the play. Proctors love for his wife was obvious to the court and was eventually used against him. Proctor did involve himself in the town’s hysteria over witchery, even though he held significant evidence that could contribute to ending these trials. It was not until his wife was arrested that Proctor started to get more involved in the trials. Striving for the freedom of his wife Proctor eventually confesses his affair with Abigail squandering away his reputation. Although love is more of strength then a weakness in this play I see it as a weakness. Human weakness is greatly exposed in the Crucible; it is shown through the acts of the major characters in the story. Hypocrisy is a common trait amongst many of the characters in the Crucible. Many of the religious leaders are guilty of hypocrisy, such as Reverend Parris. Although Parris has deemed himself to serving god and to live

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