Elizabeth Proctor The Crucible Analysis

465 Words2 Pages
In The Crucible, a drama by Arthur Miller set in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, Elizabeth Proctor evolves from a judgmental wife to a woman who recognizes her own imperfections and learns forgiveness. Initially, Elizabeth is an austere wife that remains suspicious and distant from her husband unable to forget the horrors of his last affair with Abigail Williams. This eventually leads to John Proctor’s weariness of the constant tension between them and addresses her accusatory nature when he admits that “[he] cannot speak but [he] is doubted, every moment judged for lies” (2.163-64). Often in marriages strained by a past affair, the atmosphere of the relationship feels awkward and forced. In the Proctors’ situation, the affair ended 7 months prior but due to Elizabeth’s…show more content…
Though John had already confessed his affair in front of the entire court, when Elizabeth is questioned she denies it, claiming that “[her] husband is a goodly man” (3.949-50). Her lying is understandable though because naturally when people are placed in situations where their words literally determine the life or death of a loved one, they will lie to protect them. However, it is not seen that way, and causes controversy since Proctor previously claimed that his wife never lied; this is a turning point in Elizabeth’s character because it proves Elizabeth still loves her husband enough to even defy her commitment to always tell the truth. Later, after the court deems John as a threat, both Elizabeth and John are sentenced to prison allowing Elizabeth ample time to properly assess her marital problems. She eventually comes to the conclusion that the affair was partially her fault and confesses to John that “[she] counted [herself] so plain, so poorly made; no honest love could come to [her]”
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