According to Kohlberg’s Moral Precepts, the characters in Arthur Miller’s drama “The Crucible” represent preconventional, conventional, and postconventional morality during the play.
Preconventional Morality is when an individual bases their decisions on avoiding punishment or seeking a reward. Abigail Williams, Reverend Parris, and Thomas Putnam are examples of characters that exhibit preconventional morals. Using Abigail as an example, she says in Act 1, Scene 1, Page 48, “I want to open myself!… I saw Indians bash my lovely parents’ heads on the pillow next to mine,” justifying her immoral behavior. The Reverend Parris declares, “She’ll kill me for sayin’ that!” ” putting his reputation and status above the facts. Parris worries that Abigail may retaliate against him for suggesting that she might have done something wrong, and he also worries that her reputation and actions will reflect negatively on him. Act 1, Scene 1, Page 12 shows him acting in his own self-interest. “I have taken your part in all contention here, and I would continue; but I cannot if you hold back in this. There are hurtful, vengeful spirits layin’ hands on these children.” Thomas Putnam says in Act 1, Scene 1, Page 15, demonstrating his readiness to take advantage of the situation for his own financial benefit and to settle personal scores.
Conventional Morality is when an individual bases their decisions off societal norms and expectations. John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor, and Judge Danforth all exhibit conventional morality. In order to preserve his image, John initially keeps his relationship with Abigail a secret, declaring in Act 1, Scene 2, Page 22, “That’s done with.” Elizabeth emphasizes her dedication to moral principles when she says in Act 2, Scene 2, Page 55, “The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you,” She explains that she appreciates honesty and does not judge her spouse. “A person is either with this court or he must be counted against it”, Judge Danforth declares in Act 3, Scene 1, Page 94, demonstrating his adherence to the law and the authority of the court.
Post-Conventional Morality is when an individual bases their decisions and choices without a care for any reward, punishment, or societal expectation. Characters like Giles Corey, Reverend Hale, and John Proctor exhibit morality that deviates from the norm (later in the play). Giles Corey challenges the court and stands up for his wife, even at the risk of personal harm, saying “I will not give you no name. I mentioned my wife’s name once and I’ll burn in hell long enough for that” (Act 3, Scene 3, Page 97), showcasing his dedication to moral beliefs. Although originally in favour of the witch trials, Reverend Hale later doubted the credibility and authority of the court, claiming “There is blood on my head! Can you not see the blood on my head!!” (Act 4, Scene 4, Page 131), demonstrating a change in his moral growth. John Proctor also demonstrates postconventional morality when he decided to confess to a crime he never committed in order to keep his name, saying “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!” (Act 4, Scene 4, Page 143) by putting his dignity before the social pressures upon him.
These moments in The Crucible display how characters exhibit Kohlberg’s moral precepts, from preconventional to conventional to postconventional morality, highlighting the complexity of human ethics and how it affects their decisions and acts.
