In the novel the Crucible characters show different moral thinking based on development, preconventional, conventional, and post conventional. One of the characters Abigail Williams acts selfish to avoid punishment this is an example of preconventional morality. Two other characters, Reverend Hale and Judge Danforth follow the rules because they believe in law and order. This is an example of conventional morality. John Proctor likes to do what he believes is correct even at the cost of his life this shows us post conventional morality. Author Miller describes through the characters of the novel how influence from society can affect people’s choices which can cause danger of following certain rules without thinking of the consequences.
In the novel a few characters show examples of preconventional morality as they make their choices based on fear of the punishment or their own personal gain. For example, Parris who cares more about his reputation then knowing the truth. He says, “We cannot leap to witchcraft. They will howl me out of Salem for such corruption” His main concern is how any accusation will affect his reputation, so he rather keeps quiet. This tells us that Paris makes his decisions based on self-image. Another example of preconventional morality is when Mercy Lewis lies to avoid any trouble with Abigail. She says, “It were only sport in the beginning, Sir, but then the whole world cried spirits, spirits” saying that the accusations started out as a game but never finished because of fear. Instead of telling the truth before, she went along with the story and the lies to protect herself. Mary Warren another character shows preconventional morality when she decides to turn her back on John Proctor when they’re in court. She yells, “You’re the devils man!” Being under pressure she saves herself by accusing John Proctor, her decision tells us that she is trying to avoid any consequence for herself, so actions right or wrong doesn’t matter. All these characters display preconventional morality based on selfish interest due to fear.
In the Crucible, a few of the characters use conventional morality as they make decisions and choices based on what others expect and rules instead of what they believe is the right decision for themselves. Character Reverend Hale shows an example of this when he says, “We cannot look superstition. The devil is precise, the marks of his presence are definite as stone” He believes and trust in the courts process thinking it will bring justice, but unfortunately, he doesn’t realize that good innocent people are being charged and accused. Judge Danforth like Reverend Hale also follows the rules when he says, “We burn a hot fire here, it melts down all concealment” The judge believes having strong laws will always reveal the truth in a story but unfortunately it led to a false ruling and an unfair punishment two others. Elizabeth Proctor lied to protect her husband because of society’s expectations saying,” my husband is a goodly man, Sir quotation” By lying And defending him she thinks she’s doing the right thing but in reality it caused more harm. These 3 examples of conventional morality show how these characters follow expectations and rules even when it leads to injustice.
In this novel, character show post conventional morality by doing what they think might be correct, even by going against the rules and or risking their own lives. John Proctor does this when he didn’t want to sign the confession as it was false. He said, “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!” He wanted to be honest then have to live with a lie even though it would risk his life. Giles Corey also stood up to what he believed in when he refused to accuse other people even while being tortured. His final words, “More weight” Show us that he would rather be killed and die then go against and betray innocent people. Rebecca nurse saves herself by not lying, saying, “ Why, it is a lie, it is a lie; how may I damn myself?” She picked telling the truth and risk everything as she refuses to go against what she believes and her morals. All these three characters follow their own morals and beliefs instead of what people and society expect of them. This shows their true courage and honor.
In conclusion, in the novel The Crucible by Arthur Miller, various characters have different moral thinking based on their beliefs, society, fear and rules. Characters like Mary Warren and Parris, are selfish and react out of fear this is a good example of preconventional morality. The characters Elizabeth Proctor and Judge Danforth show conventional morality by following societies rules even when it can be harmful. Finally post conventional morality are shown by John Procter, Giles Corey, and Rebecca nurse as they stay firm with their principles and beliefs even if it could cost them their lives. With all these examples, Arthur Miller gives multiple examples on how fear and peer pressure from society all can lead up to injustice of innocent people. He also gives many examples how if you stand up for the truth takes a lot of real courage which most of the society is afraid of doing. The Crucible was a great way to see different perspective of characters which all resemble our everyday society.
