Arthur Miller Essay

The theme of morals and guilt is explored by the characterization of ‘John Proctor’. ‘Proctor’ is portrayed as being around the age of thirty and a well-respected farmer in the town’s community. He is described as ‘the kind of man- powerful of body, even-tempered, and not easily led. ‘ From these descriptions, we recognize that he is a strong, calm individual who is quite cynical. As soon as ‘Proctor’ appears in the play we see that he is very much in conflict with himself due to the terrible secret he conceals within the dark and forbidding chambers of his heart. A history of sin, which goes against every moral fibre of his body and the society in which he dwells. â€Å"He is a sinner, a sinner not only against the moral fashion but against his own vision of decent conduct. † ‘John Proctor’ is guilty of committing adultery with the young ‘Abigail Williams’ while she was serving as a servant in his household and this has a great effect on his conscience. ‘Proctor’s’ conscience eats away at him throughout the play as it manifests itself into his relationship with people, especially his wife, ‘Elizabeth’. This is presented when Elizabeth states: † I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you. I never thought you but a good man, John- only somewhat bewildered. † Here we see the idea of morality being reflected on a personal level, or Proctor’s conception of himself. He conceives himself as a blatant sinner because of his ‘raw deeds’, being his lechery. † I blush for my sin,† he admits to his wife. Overall, through the characterization of ‘John Proctor’ the theme morals and guilt is presented and from this we see that his perception of right and wrong are decided by his own ‘vision of decent conduct’. Characterization is essential to the exploration and development of themes in ‘The Crucible’ by Arthur Miller. The characterization of ‘Rebecca Nurse’ explores the theme of evil. ‘Abigail Williams’ explores the themes of evil as well as the power of fear and ‘John Proctor’ explores the theme of morals and guilt. All these characters and many more help develop the themes within ‘The Crucible’.