To truly understand the characters in The Crucible and their motivations for performing certain acts, one only has to refer to Kohlberg’s moral perceptions for an explanation. Arthur Miller’s play demonstrates how different characters make decisions based on their level of moral reasoning. These decisions can be influenced by personal fear, wanting to follow society’s rules, or a commitment to their own beliefs. Kohlberg’s three moral levels—pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional—help explain why characters act the way they do. By analyzing the actions of the main characters throughout the Crucible and comparing their actions to these moral stages, we can better understand the choices they made and how it can impact the story.
Pre-conventional morality refers to people making decisions to avoid punishment or gain rewards. This can be seen in the activities of Abigail Williams, Betty Parris, and John Proctor. Abigail lies and manipulates others to protect herself and get what she wants. She says, “This is a black act to change your shape,” as she pretends to see spirits, making sure others believes her lies. Betty also acts to get out of punishment, shouting, “I see Goody Bibber with the devil,” to avoid punishment by accusing others. Even John Proctor, although he is usually an honest man, he didn’t want to speak the truth at first. He says, “Think on it,” showing he struggled about exposing Abigail because he knows it could ruin his own reputation. These characters show pre-conventional morality by choosing actions that help them escape consequences, even if it means harming others or lying.
Conventional morality is when people follow society’s rules or do what the society want them to do, even if they know it is wrong. This is can be seen in the act of Ann Putnam, Mary Warren, and Danforth. Ann Putnam thinks in the town’s religious views and blames witchcraft is the reason for the loss of her seven children, she asked, “Do you think it is God’s will I lost seven children?” Instead of questioning the situation, she accepts the explanation that fits her and the society’s belief that its witch craft making she losing seven children. Mary Warren also struggles between doing what is right and decided to follow the other girls. She said, “I cannot charge murder on Abigail! She’ll kill me for saying that!” which shows that she is afraid to go against the group. Danforth, as a leader, refuses to admit that the decision of the court are wrong. He mentioned, “We cannot look to have peace if we admit to error,” meaning he would rather continue punishing innocent people than admitting the court had made mistakes. These characters follow Kolbert’s conventional morality because they look at their place in society over what is actually right.
Post-conventional morality is the highest stage of moral reasoning, where people follow their own beliefs, even if it means going against society. This is demonstrated by Reverend Hale, John Proctor, and Giles Corey. Hale starts as a strong believer in the court but realized later that innocent people are being killed for no reason. He finally said, “I quit this court,” showing that he can no longer support something he knows is wrong. John Proctor also changes his mindset throughout the play. He shouts, “God is dead!” in frustration, realizing that those people in power are not looking at the truth and rather just punish the people the society thinks they should punish to max their reputation. Giles Corey, refused to give in to the court’s false accusations. His last words, “More weight,” showing his bravery and refusal to betray what he believe. These characters represent post-conventional morality because they stand up for the truth, even when it costs them everything.
In conclusion, The Crucible explores how different characters make decisions based on their level of moral development. Abigail, Betty, and Proctor at first act out of fear at the pre-conventional level. Ann Putnam, Mary Warren, and Danforth follow society’s expectations at the conventional level. Finally, Hale, John, and Giles choose their own beliefs over rules and consequences at the post-conventional level. Kohlberg’s moral stages help us understand the deeper reasons behind each character’s actions and show how morality plays a huge role in the events of the Salem witch trials.