The Crucible includes Lawrence Kohlberg’s concept of moral precepts which explain the behaviors and motivations of the characters throughout the play. The three categories of the precepts will be discussed thoroughly and meticulously to state why the characters act the way they do. The terms pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional will be described within the essay. Examples from the play will be given as evidence to solidify the characters behaviors to provide a clearer understanding of the Crucible.
There are several examples that illustrate the pre-conventional characters found within the Crucible. These individuals seek to avoid punishment. At first, Betty Parris demonstrates the mannerisms of a pre-conventional character through her desire to avoid punishment. When she’s caught dancing in the forest with the other girls, she “lies inert on [a] bed” to avoid confessing and being whipped. Betty escapes responsibility by pretending to be ill, showing that her actions are driven by fear of consequences rather than moral understanding. Similarly, Tituba behaves in a way that shows her eagerness to avoid punishment. She expresses this when Parris threatens to “take [her] out and whip [her] to [her] death.” Tituba confesses to something she did not do in order to protect herself. She quickly realizes that lying allows her to escape the punishment of death, showcasing her pre-conventional moral reasoning. Another example of this moral precept can be seen in Abigail Williams, who also portrays a desperate character who seeks to avoid punishment. She admits this this by telling everyone “[she] danced with the devil,” purposefully lying to save herself and the other girls from being whipped. She desperately grasps onto a scapegoat at that moment (the devil) to protect herself, wreaking of desperation that overrules her moral concern for others.
There are multiple examples of conventional characters found within the literature. A conventional character attempts to act as a part of the group and avoid punishment. Mary Warren demonstrates this during the court trial when she sides with Abby while “sobbing” and tells her she’ll “never hurt her no more.” This moment shows how Mary clings to Abigail Williams and the other girls to show her allegiance and loyalty to Abigail. Her fear of punishment and desire to be accepted into the group stop her from speaking out against them. The mindset of a conventional character is apparent and reflects the mindset of someone who prioritizes social approval over moral judgement. In addition, Goody Putnam fits into the category of a conventional character as she wants to conform to the group and avoid standing out. She follows societal rules and stays actively apart of a group. Putnam exhibits this behaviour when she joins the others in blaming innocent people of witchcraft such as “Goody Osburn” for the causing the death of her babies. She’s overcome by grief and believes that by finding someone to blame, she will find comfort. These thoughts make her believe that she’s a good mother. Her actions show her need to belong and be accepted by the community. Another example of this behaviour is seen in Betty Parris, who wishes to be accepted by the group. She joins the other girls in chanting that she “saw Goody Bibber with the devil” to avoid confessing and being punished. Because of her fear of rejection and wanting to belong, Betty chooses to join the girls in the accusations rather than risk being detested by them. Her actions are guided by the need to be socially accepted by a group and reflects a conventional character.
At last, there are many examples that illustrate post-conventional characters in the play. Post-conventional characters are guided by their moral values, principles, and personal beliefs. The next character with a strong sense of morals is John Proctor. This is demonstrated when John signs a confession paper to witchcraft but later “tears the paper” and weeps after Judge Danforth insists, he make his confession public. Proctor has a passionate sense of moral righteousness which pushes him to tear the paper, knowing his choice will lead him to his death. Despite having consequences to his actions, he follows his moral compass in order to avoid his name getting tarnished. This is a clear illustration of a post-conventional character. Furthermore, Giles Corey exemplifies the moral concept of being defined based of an individual’s personal ethics and belief in justice. He illustrates this when he tells his executioners to put “more weight” on him, choosing death over a false confession. If he had confessed, his lands would be taken by the executioners rather than being passed down to his sons. Aware of the consequences, Giles stands by his moral values and values justices over his own survival. His actions define a post-conventional character. Reverend Hale also portrays a post-conventional character due to his moral awakening and rejection of injustice. This is displayed when Hale tells the court that he “quits” and “[denounces the] proceedings” after realizing that innocent people are being convicted of witchcraft. Overcome with guilt, he abandons the court, choosing to follow his conscience rather than being apart of a corrupt system. His actions demonstrate his strong commitment to his morals, even if it means turning against authority.
To conclude, the behaviors of the characters found in the Crucible refer to Kohlberg’s concept of moral precepts. Within the essay, Betty Parris, Goody Putnam, and John Proctor each represent the one of the three moral stages of the precepts, pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional were each described thoroughly. To understand the Crucible, examples from the play were given as evidence to solidify the characters motivations and actions.
