The purpose of this essay is to discuss the play, The Crucible. In particular, what will be discussed are the characters in the Crucible that behave in a confusing manner. These behaviours can best be described and understood by using Kollberg’s moral precepts for explanation. Specifically, Kollberg has three distinct descriptions of perspectives that are taken by individuals that motivate them to behave in certain ways. These three categories are factors that we consider when individuals decide to act in any given situation. If we understand the consideration and action, we will be able to achieve a better understanding.
There are many examples within the Crucible that are pre-conventional. Pre-conventional is when you behave in a certain way to obtain reward and avoid punishment. To begin, Tituba is a pre-conventional character. Tituba is suspected of witchcraft and is forced to commit to a crime she did not commit as Parris declares, “I will take you out and whip you to your death.” She realizes that she must confess, otherwise, she would be whipped to death as punishment. Thus, through the fear of being killed, Tituba confesses to witchcraft. Another example is Abigail Williams. Abigail behaves in a way that allows her to obtain a reward. She fancies John Proctor and wants to be with him; however, John does not accept their relationship as he has a wife, known as Elizabeth Proctor. When Elizabeth mentions to John, “she wants me dead John, you know it!” it is evident that Abigail would resort to anything in order to reach her goal, which would be to eliminate Elizabeth from the picture to have John for herself. This is demonstrated when Abigail frames Elizabeth of trying to murder her. The final example is Betty Parris. After Abigail, Tituba, Betty, and the girls are caught in the woods dancing, Betty pretends to faint. She chooses not to wake up to avoid being questioned and punished for dancing in the woods with the other girls. When Abigail tells Betty to wake up while the adults are in the room, Betty does not move an inch and remains unconscious, however, once the adults leave, Abigail once again demands Betty to wake up, “Now, Betty, dear, wake up now. It’s Abigail. I’ll beat you Betty!” in which Betty does wake up. This action of hers showcase that she acted the way she did in order to avoid getting into trouble. You can see from the examples provided that many characters in the Crucible act ways to avoid punishment and obtain reward.
Furthermore, there are many examples in the Crucible that are conventional. Conventional characters behave in a way that shows they want group acceptance. They want to fit into a particular group. The first example is Mary Warren. Mary is a conventional character as it is evident when she is at trial with John, Abigail, and the girls. Initially, Mary tells the truth, however, Abigail begins framing Mary of witchery by she copying whatever Mary says. The other girls soon follow Abigail’s lead causing Mary to cry out, “Abby, I’ll never hurt you more.” This demonstrates that Mary wants to fit in with the other girls and in order to do that, she starts to lie. Another character that wants to be accepted by a group is Elizabeth Proctor. Elizabeth wants to fit in with the group of good Christian woman. When John mentions, “that woman will never lie,” it indicates to the readers how much she wants to be seen as a respectable and a good Christian woman, as there is no way a person has never told a lie unless they forced themselves to act this way. And the final example is Tituba. When Reverend Hale tells Tituba, “You would be a good Christian woman, would you not, Tituba?” it allows readers understand that Hale is pressuring Tituba comply with the expectations of what a good Christian woman should be. He is implying to Tituba that she should act as she is expected to which is being obedient. This demonstrates that Tituba confesses in order to fit into the group of a good Christian woman. You can see from the examples provided that many characters in the Crucible show a real desire to be part of a group.
Finally, there are post-conventional characters in the Crucible. Post-conventional behaviour is when you have your own individual sense of values and ethics. Those values and ethics cannot be influenced by reward, punishment, or group acceptance. The first post-conventional character is Giles Corey. Giles is found in contempt of court because he is refusing to give the name of the man that told him Thomas Putnam is killing his neighbours for their land. Giles states without hesitation “more weight” when he is being tortured due to refusing to give up the witness’ name. And despite being on the verge of death, he does not give up the name of the witness as he believes that it is the right thing to do. The next character that has an individual sense of values and beliefs to be discussed is John Proctor. John signs his name, however, after signing his name, he immediately rips up his confession when he hears that it would be put up on public display, stating, “say what you will, but my name I cannot sign.” John realizes that he cannot confess and ruin his name as it is all he has, so he chooses to die. And finally, John Hale. Hale feels guilty and he wants to correct his mistakes, so he deicides to return to Salem due to feeling responsible for that has happened. He tells the others, “God damns a liar less than one who gives his life for pride” as he is trying to convince people to lie to save their lives. In the end, he quits the court and chooses to give up everything that gives him power, status, and prestige because of what he believes in. You can see from the examples provided the many characters in the Crucible are confident in their rights and wrong.
In conclusion, it is evident that Kollberg’s moral precepts have been a valuable tool in allowing the reader to achieve a better understanding for characters in the Crucible. It has also demonstrated why individuals behave the way they do when faced with certain situations. These precepts outline the basic motivation behind people’s actions and are organized in three ways, pre-conventional, conventional and post-conventional. These 3 perspectives are demonstrated in the Crucible when the character’s actions reflect on these perspectives. The characters either act in ways to avoid punishment and obtain reward, for group acceptance, or they act in ways based on their own individual sense of values and ethics. By understanding the reasons of why the characters act the way they do during certain situations, we will be able to achieve a better understanding of them.
