How Does Elizabeth Proctor Change In The Crucible

Does a situation ever present itself where friends may do something wrong, lies sometimes protect friends, or others sympathize for pretended hurt? If these descriptions seem familiar, the characters in The Crucible by Arthur Miller may too. A crucible is a thorough trial or examination; therefore, the term coincides with the title of the play because the courts rigorously try individuals for the crime of witchcraft within the text (“Crucible” 1). The Crucible’s plot unfolds in the 1690’s in the Puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts (Miller 1038-1118). Within the story, several characters’ outlooks on life and their manner of interacting with the other characters change because of the trials, while contrastingly, a portion of the characters remains stagnant. Miller’s work properly illustrates how some characters, such as Elizabeth Proctor and John Hale, grow and subsequently improve relationships amongst themseleves as a result of interactions that provide opportunities for changes in ideals and relationships; while other individuals, like Judge Danforth, do not. Elizabeth Proctor, wife of John Proctor, goes through a transformation because of the happenings of the
Elizabeth Proctor shifts from cold to forgiving, and Hale starts as orderly and closes as empathetic. Judge Danforth is self-centered and concerned with his reputation throughout the events of the plot. John Hale takes the most drastic change. At first, he gives no thought to the reasons behind the Proctors’ questionable actions and goes to question them anyway, even being suspicious of them himself. By the end of the plot, his view on the couple inverts and he begs them to choose to live. Through the questions, wrongdoings, lies, and pretending, some characters in The Crucible change and improve their relationships, while others do