Character description of the crucible. 'The Crucible' Character Study: Rebecca Nurse 2022-12-15

Character description of the crucible Rating: 6,4/10 1770 reviews

The Crucible is a play written by Arthur Miller in 1953 that tells the story of the Salem witch trials. The play is set in the Puritan village of Salem, Massachusetts in the late 17th century, and it explores themes of religious intolerance, mass hysteria, and the dangers of extremism.

One of the main characters in The Crucible is John Proctor, a farmer and landowner who is respected in the community. Proctor is a complex character who is torn between his sense of justice and his own personal flaws. On the one hand, he is a strong, independent thinker who refuses to be swayed by the religious zealotry of the other characters. On the other hand, he is also a flawed individual who has committed adultery and is haunted by his guilt. Despite his flaws, Proctor is a brave and noble character who stands up for what he believes in, even at great personal risk.

Another central character in The Crucible is Abigail Williams, a teenage girl who is the main instigator of the witch trials. Abigail is a manipulative and selfish character who is motivated by her own desires and ambitions. She is willing to lie, cheat, and even commit murder in order to get what she wants. Despite her treachery, Abigail is also a tragic figure who is driven by her own deep-seated insecurities and fears.

Reverend John Hale is another important character in The Crucible. Hale is a young, educated minister who is called to Salem to investigate the witchcraft accusations. At first, Hale is convinced of the truth of the accusations and is eager to root out the witches in Salem. However, as the play progresses, Hale becomes disillusioned with the witch trials and begins to see them for what they really are: a dangerous and misguided exercise in mass hysteria. He becomes an ally to Proctor and helps him expose the lies and corruption at the heart of the Salem witch trials.

In conclusion, The Crucible is a play that features a cast of complex and multi-dimensional characters. Each character is motivated by their own unique desires and flaws, and their interactions with each other drive the action of the play. Whether they are heroes or villains, each character is fully realized and adds depth and richness to the story of the Salem witch trials.

'The Crucible' Character Study: Rebecca Nurse

character description of the crucible

Easily influenced by those around her, she tries unsuccessfully to expose the hoax, but is thwarted by Abigail and the other girls. His morals… Revenge In The Crucible Essay Abigail soon begins to believe that she is invulnerable and that she can cry witchcraft upon whomever she wishes. In order to save herself from their accusations of witchcraft, Mary ultimately recants her confession and turns on John Proctor. Nevertheless, he has a hidden sin—his affair with Abigail Williams—that proves his downfall. Danforth is depicted as short-sighted and unwilling to admit to errors.

Next

THE CRUCIBLE CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

character description of the crucible

He is a character with a strong sense of self and often questions the dogmatic authority of the theocracy Salem lives under. Nurse also utters one of the more subtle and realistic lines of the play. Latest answer posted January 6, 2013, 7:52 pm UTC 1 educator answer Judge Hathorne Judge Hathorne is one of the primary judges overseeing the witch trials. He is supposedly learned and educated on the phenomenon. Abigail uses Mary to accuse Elizabeth. His daughter betty was one of the comatose girls.

Next

The Crucible: Character List

character description of the crucible

He then realizes it is too late to change what has occurred. She is a timid girl, easily influenced by those around her, who tried unsuccessfully to expose the hoax and ultimately recanted her confession. Pregnant at her trial, she gives birth in jail but the babies dies. Elizabeth fired Abigail when she discovered that her husband was having an affair with Abigail. Elizabeth is supremely virtuous, but often cold. Sympathetic, he comes to disbelieve the witchcraft allegations and refuses to make further arrests.

Next

The Crucible Character Description Essay

character description of the crucible

Mercy Lewis Mercy Lewis is the servant of Thomas and Ann Putnam. John initially decides to falsely confess to witchcraft in an attempt to spare his life, but in the end, he refuses to lie and chooses to be executed rather than sacrifice his good name. Elizabeth is one of the most upright members of the community, but she is more complex than a stereotype of goodness. One of the central conflicts of the play concerns John's internal struggles in the wake of his immoral affair. After Rebecca Nurse is arrested she refuses to believe in witchcraft and is later hanged for not …show more content… Martha Corey, Giles wife is accused of witchcraft and he then goes to court to prove her innocence.

Next

Thomas Putnam Character Analysis in The Crucible

character description of the crucible

He is also more concerned about his missing niece, Abigail Williams, and the money taken by her, than for the lives of the girls' victims. Putnam is a bitter man who feels that the citizens of Salem have not given him the respect that he and his family deserve. Deeply embittered, he accuses many of being witches, frequently is a witness against those accused, and has a daughter who at times leads the hysterical girls in the finger-pointing. Abigail takes great advantage of the Puritan court by scapegoating innocent people because, like Proctor, it is important to her to keep a good reputation of a young Puritan girl. He refuses to name the town members who are also involved and is hanged. Betty Parris Betty Parris is the daughter of Reverend Parris. Reverend John Hale comes from a nearby town and is the recognized authority on witchcraft.


Next

The Crucible (Character Descriptions) Flashcards

character description of the crucible

This event leads many in the community to find other reasons to suspect Elizabeth Proctor. Miller claims he is the true villain of the play. She has a strong amount of courage in her when she is arrested and does not lose that courage even after seeing her husband for the last Faith And Truth In Arthur Miller's The Crucible Mary Warren gets frightened and says she lied to Danforth and Hathorne about everything, because John Proctor forced her to lie. The last date is today's date — the date you are citing the material. Then he notices a poppet, which has a needle protruding from it.

Next

The Crucible Characters

character description of the crucible

Ezekiel Cheever Ezekiel Cheever is the clerk of the court, and he performs his role dutifully and unquestioningly, albeit with occasional hesitation. He takes a grounded, practical attitude towards life, and as such he refuses to be swayed by the atmosphere of paranoia and manic accusation that overtakes Salem. His indirect personality holds a lot of confidence and pride towards himself. Smart, a good liar, and vindictive when crossed, she uses her charismatic influence over the girls to gain power to supplant Elizabeth so she and John can marry. Abigail was once the servant for the Proctor household, but Elizabeth Proctor fired her after she discovered that Abigail was having an affair with her husband, John Proctor. The other seven died before they were a day old, and Ann is convinced that they were murdered by supernatural means. She explains that many people have been arrested for suspected witchcraft, and that the court is threatening executions.

Next

The Crucible Characters

character description of the crucible

When Corey is placed on trial, he does not capitulate to the demands that he merely confess to witchcraft and receive a mild punishment. A repressive, insecure, vain, and paranoid man, he quickly supports the authorities when the witch trials begin. Shortly after being imprisoned, Elizabeth announces that she is pregnant, and her trial and potential execution is temporarily stayed. She seems to be ignorant and lonely. Abigail seeks revenge on Reverend Hale for simply returning back to Salem because she sees him as a threat. She feels jealous of Rebecca Nurse, who has faced far fewer losses. When the girls turn on her, however, Mary is too afraid to stand by the truth, and she rejoins the girls, helping them accuse John Proctor.


Next

character description of the crucible

This leads Mary to renounce her confession and, subsequently, to accuse Proctor of forcing her to make it. This upright friend to most residents of Salem quickly turns on former friends and those accused of witchcraft handling their arrests. Rebecca is a wise, sensible, and upright woman, pillar of the community, held in highest regard by most of the Salem community. When the girls are discovered, they—led by Abigail—deflect their own guilt onto others in the town, accusing them of being witches. Rebecca Nurse: Age: 72 She is a righteous old lady who was considered a midwife for the women in the town of Salem. He is a prime example of evil in the village, believing himself superior to most and looking for revenge for past grievances.

Next

character description of the crucible

Notably, he refuses to postpone the executions of Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor for fear that any leniency will cast doubt on the guilt of those he already condemned to die. Reverend Samuel Parris - Minister of Salem's church, disliked by many residents because of his power-hungry, greedy, and domineering personality. Though she wants John to live, she ultimately respects his decision to die rather than lie and be freed. He refuses to suspend the trials even as they tear Salem apart. Abigail lied about Elizabeth being a witch, and as John was telling the truth, it was seen to be a lie.


Next