English 12 Crucible Essay
This essay explores the play “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, focusing on characters who portray puzzling behavior. This behavior can be described and understood by using Kohlberg’s concepts to analyze their actions. Kohlberg categorizes behavior into different descriptions that influence people to act in a particular way. Specifically, Kohlberg’s three categories are pre-conventional behavior, conventional behavior, and finally post-conventional behavior. Understanding these categories helps readers better grasp the idea of why the characters would act in such an unclear performance.
To begin There are pre conventional characters within the crucible. Pre conventional is when a character acts in a manner to avoid punishment or receive a reward. The first character to be discussed is Abigail Williams. Abigail Williams is a manipulative character who would go to great lengths for the reward of John Proctor’s love. She says, ”I marvel how such a strong man may let such a sickly wife be “(Act 1). Abigail accuses John’s wife of witchcraft in an attempt to eliminate her competition. Abigail is willing to discredit his wife to achieve her goal. This behavior reflects a focus on self-interest and the manipulation of others to fulfill her desires, characteristic of a pre-conventional mindset. The next character to be discussed who acts in a certain way to avoid punishment or receive an award is John Proctor. John Proctor states, “I speak my own sin I cannot Jude another I have no tongue for it” (Act 4). John Proctor demonstrates that he is a pre conventional character when he refuses to accuse somebody else. John would have committed a sin of lying and burning in hell, avoiding the question. The final character to be discussed is Thomas Putnam. Thomas Putnam’s statement, “You load one oak of mine, you’ll figure to drag it home” (Act 1). This shows he’s focused on protecting his stuff and avoiding losses. He’s threatening punishment to keep others from taking what he thinks is his. This reflects a mindset where personal gain matters most. It is evident that numerous characters in “The Crucible” behave in ways aimed at either avoiding punishment or attaining rewards.
There are many characters who are conventional. Conventional is when a character behaves in a certain way to fit within a group, thus receiving group acceptance. To begin, the first conventional character is Ann Putnum. She demonstrated this by stating, “I knew it goody, Osborn was midwife to me three times” (Act 1). This quote reveals what lengths Ann Putnum is willing to go, eagerly awaited to fit within the successful women of Salem who were able to raise healthy children. Ann Putnum was envious of Rebecca Nurse, whose children were all able to live a healthy life, excusing her for the deaths of her children as an excuse. The next character to be discussed as a character who behaves in a certain way to revive group acceptances is John Hale. He illustrates this when he says, “I have seen too many frightful proofs in court the devil Is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger point” (Act 1). Jhon Hale, under pressure, lies, accepting the accusations and believing he is gaining acknowledgment from the court and all its allies. Following wherever they lead, aligning himself with the conventional views of the community. The concluding individual to be reviewed is Mary Warden. She utters this in the court scene: “I cannot lie no more. I am with God, I am God” (Act 3). Under immense pressure and feeling torn between telling the truth and conforming to the false accusations of witchcraft, joining the group of girls. These characters change their behavior to fit in with society. They accuse others or lie to be accepted, showing the pressure people feel to conform, even when it goes against what they know is right.
And finally, there are post-conventional characters founded within the crucible. Post-conventional characters internalize a sense of right and wrong. They are confident in their values and beliefs regarding punishment. The first character to be discussed is Giles Corey. When Giles exclaims “more weight” (Act 3), he’s refusing to capitulate to the unjustified authority of the court and instead choosing death by stoning. This action reflects his loyalty to truth and integrity, even in the face of extreme circumstances and societal pressure. Giles Corey’s refusal to compromise his values for the sake of his own survival showcases. Another character who is confident in their sense of values and beliefs is Jhon Proctor. Jhon Proctors displays this when speaking with Jude Danforth: “I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint. It is a fraud. I am not that man” (Act 4). Proctor refuses to falsely confess to witchcraft, even though doing so would save his life. Instead, he chooses to uphold his truthfulness and refuses to compromise his principles by signing a false confession. The final character to be discussed is Reveron Hale. Hale declares, “I quit this court” (Act 3), leaving the court proceedings and abandoning his support for the witch trials. This action reflects his realization of the injustice of the trials and his refusal to be complicit in further wrongdoing. Prioritizing personal moral convictions over conforming to societal standards and authority figures. These characters stick to what they believe is right, even when others pressure them. They do not give in to unfair demands and will not support the wrong actions. These characters prove they have strong beliefs and won’t change them just to fit in.
In conclusion, Kohlberg’s concept of moral growth, as seen through how characters perceive words in ‘The Crucible,’ helps us understand them better. It shows why people act the way they do in tough situations. By looking at how characters think about right and wrong, others will learn more about why they do what they do in the play. Kohlberg’s concept of moral development, as evidenced through the word perceptions in ‘The Crucible,’ serves as a valuable tool in enhancing the readers’ appreciation of the characters. The motives behind individuals’ actions when faced with complex situations and the details of human nature are shown in the play.
