The Sacred Journey Of Marriage
"The Crucible" by Arthur Miller is a story based on the study of the huge hysteria that led to the 1692 Salem witchcraft trials. The story is revolved around real events that happened in history that portray the way life was, in this particular era. In this play, Miller chose to write about the confusion of the witch trials. This provided a better knowledge of the struggles that some of the characters went through. We see different perspectives from characters such as, John and Elizabeth Proctor as well as Abigail. You can see the struggle of their marriage throughout the play and the toll John’s disloyalty with Abigail took on their relationship. Themes such as love, deceit, paranoia, and secrecy come to play in this story. Since this play focuses on the journey of marriage, it shows tensions between characters and the struggles each one went through personally. Two of the characters John and Elizabeth Proctor, a married couple with what seemed in majority of the play had a “perfect” relationship, show readers what really went on behind their closed doors. Their relationship was really underlined with fear, secrecy, and resentment. Between issues with adultery with Abigail and problems with the hysteria, you will begin to see the different perspectives of each character. You will also come to realize the change from the beginning of the marriage to the end and better understand the struggles each went through throughout the story.
In the beginning, you see an inside look into John’s relationship with Elizabeth and the inner struggles he went through. John as you can see in the story is shown as an extremely complex character and you can identify that the story is basically revolved around his life. His strong sense of morals and strong personality win him respect from the community. As the story goes on, you begin to see his downfall and see what traits lead him there, even to his death. However, his honesty and honour at the end of the story transform him into somewhat of a hero. As is obvious, John’s most blatant weakness was his fall into temptation and his lust for the young girl Abigail. His commitment of adultery and disregard was just disrespect for his wife, Elizabeth. This caused many issues in their relationship and caused distrust in the so called ‘envied’ relationship. Proctor is honest and proclaims that he is sorry for what he has done wrong and has so much regret.“God help me, I lusted and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance and you must see it, I set myself entirely in your hand.” This quote shows readers that he has accepted his mistake and is determined to make things right. Through this he makes it his duty to turn things around and testify against the “abomination.” His persistence and strong willed personality helps him goes against Abigail in court, even if it meant putting himself on the line and risking his life. Proctor knows that even through all those struggles, his marriage and love would always prevail. It was so much more important to protect Elizabeth then to fall into this darkness.
Meanwhile throughout, there is a whole different side to this compelling story. Elizabeth, John’s wife goes through so much during these tough times. In the beginning of the story, you see Elizabeth as a very calm and loving woman. She is in touch with God, very loyal and devout, until everything changed. John’s downfall caused her great pain and made their life at home very hard. She became very demanding and and paranoid. “What keeps you so long?” This shows how she expects the worst as well as doesn't trust John anymore and she wants to know where he is at all times. Elizabeth is known in the community as a woman with impeccable honesty but, all this is ruined by her husband's actions. Also, by Elizabeth not being able to forgive John only made the situation worse. John feels very guilty for committing the sin and Elizabeth becomes “cold” and as a result their relationship becomes damaged with suspicions. Through all this hurt and deceit you can still see that their love pulled through in the end no matter what had happened. All though she could never forgive him, she still loved him with all her heart. “Your Honor…My husband is a good and righteous man.” This shows that her decision to lie for John in court about the affair to protect him had revealed her everlasting love and had ultimately showed her caring, devout personality. Also when it came to John having to choose what he would stand for facing his death sentence, she was there for him and wept as well as shared his pain throughout his difficult decision. This showed that no matter what, their marriage was sacred.
Lastly, we get to see the changes and difficulties the couple went through in a whole new prospective. Abigail, a young girl in this time had a very different role in the Witch Trials. She was one of the main people leading the revolt between all the girls and one of the biggest accusers of witchcraft. All the girls followed her lead and would do anything to make up accusations against people she may not have liked. For instance, Elizabeth. Abigail had a personal vendetta against her and would do anything to get rid of her. As we know, John had an affair with Abby and as a result she began to have deep feelings for him. When John told her that they were done she had made it her mission to accuse and get rid of Elizabeth for good. When Elizabeth was accused of witchcraft she knew exactly who had accused her and why, as did John. This caused much turmoil in their marriage but ultimately brought them back together. John made sure Abigail would not take over their lives and he sacrificed himself for the truth as well as for his marriage. Despite Abigail's actions, she brings them together again and makes them understand how much they actually mean to each other, even through John’s death. Through this conflict, John decides that he would not confess and by doing this he chooses to preserve his honour. Elizabeth sees this and proclaims, “He have his goodness now, God forbid I take it from him.” This shows that in choosing death he earns his goodness back as well as his respect from Elizabeth and that no matter what obstacle someone puts in front of you, love will always conquer.
In the end, the crucible can be seen as a true classic tragedy. Through the characters John, Elizabeth, and Abigail you see the incredible journey they go through. From the beginning to the end you get a better look at the struggles and difficulties they went through. Each went through different hardships that all evidently led to the main theme that marriage is sacred. Through secrecy, deceit, and resentment you can still find love, honour and meekness. John and Elizabeth proved that even through the hardest burden and through the affair with Abigail, you can still find love and forgiveness in all that, therefore proving that marriage is truly sacred.