What Role Does Elizabeth Play In The Crucible

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It has just come to my attention that the person to your left, and your right and the person sitting in your seat are liars. We all lie, you can’t deny it, because it’s human nature. But would you now consider yourself a sinner because of one white lie you told? And would you confess to a lie, something you didn’t do, just because everyone believes you did it? Well once it was like this, in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts God was considered ‘the law’ and if you lied whether it was big or small you were destined to hell. I am Elecia Duly, and today, I will be discussing Arthur Miller’s play, ‘The Crucible’ and how Elizabeth Proctor, a major female role, deserves recognition for her heroic role in the play.

Arthur Miller wrote ‘The Crucible’ based …show more content…
Elizabeth doesn’t allow her judgment and thoughts to effect John’s decision when he is asked to sign the confession in Act IV. As a woman in the theocratic Salem society, Elizabeth has little to no visible power, however in ‘The Crucible’ the women’s power isn’t visible, it is the manipulation that they have over the men in order to get what they desire. Elizabeth takes her place next to John’s side and rather then manipulating him she ensures that her power is used for the good. This is evident particularly when she doesn’t allow herself to persuade John to make a specific decision, but instead she accepts what happens. “I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you. I never thought you but a good man, John [with a smile], only somewhat bewildered.” (Elizabeth Proctor, Act II, P.55). In this quote it can be seen just how much of a ‘good person’ Elizabeth is. Elizabeth accepts what happens as she has her own person power. She is a powerful woman who is understated within the play and deserves recognition for her heroic attributes. However, in Act III Elizabeth fights with herself and her power in the courtroom to decide whether or not to lie to defend John. During this emotion climax, Elizabeth knowledge of John’s actions becomes irrelevant and instead she lies to the court in hope to save her husband. However, she wasn’t aware of his prior confession to the act of lechery and puts herself in a position where the power that she possesses is in question. Despite her lie, Elizabeth acts with courage and strength to go against her moral code as she did. She allows her power to only affect herself and those around her in a positive way. Elizabeth deserves recognition for her ability to remain voiceless in times where her input is not needed, her strength and initiative allows
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