The Chain of Repercussion in The Crucible (Essay Sample)

The meaning of the book title ''The Crucible'' by Albert Camus plays a critical role in the play and the sequence of verdicts that are given to the characters presented in the play from act one to act four, along with the character development.

In relevance the word ''Crucible'' has a powerful impact in the Christian religion and how it affects the society of Salem and its peoples judgement towards the confessions and ratting out of oneself and others. “I want the light of God; I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the Devil; I saw him, I wrote in his book; I went back to Jesus; I kissed His hand. I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Goody Osburn with the Devil!” Abigail Williams outburst in act one represents the hypocrisy in Salem and the rapid accusations of others that come forth. 

The significance the title has on the play is how the characters' emotions, views, confessions, and actions throughout the play are presented to the readers in a compelling way. For instance John Proctor's desire to have a good name in society motivates his actions, views, emotions, and confessions in the play. During act two we learn that Proctor has cheated on his wife Elizabeth Proctor with Abigail Williams, a former servant for the Proctor family. But, was kicked out by Elizabeth Proctor when John Proctor confessed to her suspicion about his affair with Abigail Williams. A series of events unfold when Abigail Williams ratted out others and Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft. To save his wife Proctors admits to the court that he had an affair with Abigail while his wife was sick and feels ashamed of himself for committing adultery. Proctors says to the court that Abigail acted upon jealousy and vengeance against Elizabeth because Proctor ended things between him and Abigail to save his innocent wife. Instead of staying quiet during Proctor’s confession Elizabeth dismisses her husband's confession of his affair with Abigail to save his reputation. Later on in act 4 is when we see John Proctor's character development from the beginning to the end of the play.

The characters' verdicts are tested vastly on their reputation in society plus Abigail Williams and the other girls' reactions to their confessions of doing witchcraft or by them denouncing their involvement in witchcraft while being questioned by the court and awaiting the girl's reactions. Which is very prejudiced and unfair whether they were guilty or innocent of witchcraft.

Furthermore, the changes the characters go through is greatly dependent by their decision to confess to witchcraft and live but be thrown out and bring dishonor to their name, reputation, and lose their land or renounce their involvement in witchcraft but be hanged at the stake in front of the community of Salem. Moreover, bringing huge repercussions to the court, the society, and the victims that were hanged or tortured to death during the witch trial. 

In conclusion, reputation was a destruction waiting to demolish the society of Salem. Therefore, giving the people in the hierarchy and court a wake up call. If they would have just owned up to their mistakes and learned from it rather than being worried about their reputation there could have been less innocent people being hanged and the witch trial could be closed once in for all.