THE CRUCIBLE - theme essay *SIMPLIFIED*

Question 1

introduction

Answer 1

• “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller deals with the theme of honour through the development of the character of John Proctor.
• honour is very important to Proctor
• he has dented this by betraying himself, his wife and his society as he has committed lechery
• His reputation is still very important to him though, which results in the inner conflict that plagues him throughout the play
• This in turn fuels a further a moral dilemma for Proctor when he must stand against the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials
• Proctor must then sacrifice his honour when his wife, Elizabeth, is accused of witchcraft
• Proctor’s personal honour is still as stake until the end of the play, however, and his self-hatred almost causes him to confess to witchcraft when he is accused.
• he eventually concludes that his honour is in fact of the upmost importance to him.
• Therefore, through Proctor, we appreciate the theme of honour as it becomes clear that it is intrinsic to his character.

Question 2

paragraph one

Answer 2

Establishment of the importance of honour to Proctor

E: “He is a sinner, a sinner not only against the moral fashion of time, but against his own vision of decent conduct.”

Question 3

paragraph two

Answer 3

Proctor sacrifices his honour to save his wife

E:“[trembling, his life collapsing before him]: I have known her, sir. I have known her. […] I have made a bell of my honour! I have rung the doom of my good name – you will believe me, Mr Danforth! My wife is innocent, except she knew a whore when she saw one!”

Question 4

paragraph three

Answer 4

Proctor struggles to give up his honour in order to save his life

E:“[with a cry of his soul] “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”

Question 5

paragraph four

Answer 5

Proctor regains personal honour

E: “[his eyes full of tears] I can. And there’s your first marvel, that I can. You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor.”

Elizabeth reiterates the fact that his honour is sacred and because of this, she will not interfere with his decision to die.

E: “He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!”

Question 6

conclusion

Answer 6

• In conclusion, “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller powerfully presents the theme of honour through the development of the character of John Proctor.
• it is obvious that honour defines Proctor, which is why it is immensely difficult for him to deal with his lechery.
• This contempt of court in turn results in Proctor himself being accused of witchcraft and rather than be dishonest in order to live, he refuses to sign a confession and willingly dies in order to preserve his reputation.
• This turning point emphasises the theme of honour as it indicates how truly important it is to Proctor – it is worth dying for.
• Therefore, the theme of honour is effectively presented through this character as it is intrinsic to every point of his development throughout the play.