To truly understand The Crucible, characters found in the play, and their motivation for behavior, one can refer to Kohlberg’s moral precepts for explanation. Kohlberg has three categories of precepts. These are concepts that explain an individual’s reasoning for behaving in a certain way. Kohlberg’s theory was first introduced in 1958, when he was studying at the University of Chicago. He created this theory by analyzing how people responded to moral dilemmas. Kohlberg’s theory is still very influential today, as it birthed a foundation for future research and opened new areas of study and other theories. This essay will look at pre-conventional behavior, conventional behavior, and post conventional behavior. These behaviors will be broken down, analyzed, and many characters will be discussed within this essay.
There are many examples found within the literature that illustrate a pre-conventional character’s traits. Pre conventional characters behave in a way to avoid punishment and obtain reward. To begin, the first pre-conventional character to be discussed is Thomas Putnam. He demonstrates this characteristic when people are telling him “Thomas, I pray you, leap not to witchcraft.” Thomas tries to use the witch trials to acquire more land and increase his wealth. All of his accusations are based on his private advantage. In addition, Abigail Williams is another example of a character that avoids punishment and obtains reward. She shows this side of herself most when she tries to defend herself, saying “She is blackening my name in the village!” Her actions show her need to avoid punishment and her obsession over John Proctor. She only lies to protect herself and tends to manipulate others. Finally, Ruth Putnam is a prime example of a pre-conventional character. She displays this when she was “prompted” by her parents to “cry witchery upon George Jacobs who is now in jail.” Ruth wants attention, and she is heavily influenced by her parents to do whatever they say. All of these characters provide a clear example of pre-conventional behavior within the crucible.
There are also many examples of conventional characters found within the crucible. A conventional character behaves in a way to fit into a group. They look to find a feeling of group acceptance. One example of a conventional character is Reverend Parris. He shows his conventional personality most when he is under stress. “You least of all, Thomas, would ever wish so disastrous a charge laid upon me.” Reverend Parris is concerned with his reputation and his social status within the community. He supports the witch trials, hoping to lower suspicion and keep his position of authority in the town. Furthermore, another conventional character within the crucible is Mary Warren. She shows that she meets the definition when she announces to John Proctor that she “Will go [his] way no more.” Mary Warren made the tough decision to stand up to the falsities the girls were spreading. However, it didn’t take long for Mary Warren to return to the group where she feels safe. In addition, Ann Putnam shows herself to be a strong example of a conventional character. She feels that the loss of her children has something to do with witchcraft. “I take it on my soul, but who else may surely tell us what person murdered my babies.” She feels as if she needs to find someone to blame for her children’s deaths, as most of her babies manage to pass away at birth. The evidence provided clearly shows there are many conventional characters inside of the crucible.
Lastly, there are multiple examples of post-conventional characters to be found in the crucible. Post conventional characters have internalized a set of values and principles. These morals are not influenced by reward, punishment, or group acceptance. They are simply a reflection of the individual’s beliefs. Initially, the first post-conventional character to be discussed is John Proctor. John shows his post conventional personality most when he announces to the entire town that he thinks “God is dead.” John understands the punishment he will have to endure after stating this. He truly believes that he has lost his faith in this moment. Furthermore, another character with an internalized sense of right and wrong, with no concern for reward, punishment, or acceptance is my favorite character, Reverend Hale. Reverend Hale shows his post-conventional traits when he decides to “denounce these proceedings,” and “quit [the] court!” Hale questions his own beliefs and the validity of the witch-hunt trials. He just wants to save the innocents lives, even if that means quitting the court. Finally, Giles Corey is one of the characters that represents this definition. He shows this most when he confronts the court, saying “You know why not, he’ll lay in jail if I give his name!” Giles Corey displays a strong sense of justice, and he is willing to challenge the court when he believes they are wrong, even if it costs Giles his life. The evidence provided clearly shows that there are many post-conventional characters within the crucible.
In conclusion, Kohlberg’s moral precepts are tied directly into many characters in the story, showing that The Crucible reflects on all three areas of Kohlberg’s theory. The Crucible shows how these different moral stages can clash and create chaos from individual’s actions. The pre conventional characters like Abigail Williams, contribute to intense emotional behavior and injustice within the town, whereas those who are more post-conventional, like John Proctor, give a little bit of lightness and hope in this dark story. In the end, The Crucible is a story with a very strong message, showing the dangers of when people reach their breaking point, and what they do under societies pressure. The Crucible leaves you thinking, what does it take for people to lose themselves, and how complex human morality really is.
