The Crucible: Difference between revisions

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''The Crucible'' is set in the small Puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts. The play begins with the discovery by the despised local preacher [[Samuel Parris|Reverend Parris]] that some local girls were performing a sinful dance in the woods with the slave Tituba. One of the girls named Betty, upon being discovered, falls into an unconscious state. Panic spreads through the village as people believe that [[witchcraft]] is afoot. The town sends for the [[Reverend John Hale]], an authority on witchcraft, to investigate. Reverend Parris questions [[Abigail Williams]], the unofficial leader of the group of girls, regarding what took place in the forest. Abigail denies any witchcraft and claims she and the girls were just dancing.

Abigail manipulates the other girls into not revealing whatthe reallyfact happenedthat inshe thedrank forestblood thatto set a curse upon another daycharacter. She is secretly infatuated with [[John Proctor]] with whom she had an affair while working at his home. Proctor has since rejected Abigail, but she is still in love with him. As the witch trials begin, Abigail and the girls lie and find a new power: accusing others of witchcraft. The madness and the hysteria build, and the girls continue to lie to seek revenge against those whom they do not like. Many residents, mainly the old and the sick, are found guilty and sentenced to execution.

All are fooled by the girls including [[Thomas Danforth]]; the Judge believes the girls and many women are brought to trial. These people include John Proctor's wife Elizabeth Proctor, and other respectable citizens. Proctor tries to counter the girls by producing Mary, his servant, who is willing to admit the girls lied. However, all the girls accuse her of witchcraft, and Mary eventually accuses Proctor to save herself. By this point, Reverend John Hale realises the corruption and injustice of the court and attempts to defend Proctor. Proctor is sentenced to death. Hale denouces the proceedings and quits his position within the court. The night before the execution, Proctor gives in to the advice of Reverend Hale. Hale is now a broken man who spends all his time with the prisoners, praying with them and hoping to save their lives from their unjust fates. Hale's advice is to confess, which will get Proctor leniency from execution and save his life. However, he will not let the confession be displayed in the church and rips it up. The play ends with Proctor being led off to his execution.