The Crucible - Act 1

The play "The Crucible", by Arthur Miller, shows distinct themes throughout the story about the relationship between John Proctor and Abigail Williams helps emphasize the larger theme of intolerance due to the fact that even though Abigail still wants to be with John and he does not, it is a sin and is looked down upon. In the beginning of the story, we find out that Abigail was a servant of the Proctors. She was suspected of "touching" with John and now Mrs. Proctor is spreading rumors about her, which Abby knows she did wrong but still wants to be with him. "You loved me, John Proctor, and whatever sin it is, you love me yet." (22) In their town of Salem, God is everything to people. Gods word is law and is what everyone should live for. By committing adultery, John and Abby are going against the town and their beliefs. John is intolerant towards Abigail when he tells her, "Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before Ill ever reach for you again. Wipe it out of your mind. We never touched, Abby." (22)When people hear these rumors, they have no tolerance for the "Evil" they have committed despite the fact of any sort of love. John Proctor wanted to end any relationship he had with Abby because the village would be intolerant of their sin. In Salem Gods law is everything. Going against God is a sin in which Salem feels obligated to oppose, which is why the village would be intolerant of John Proctor and Abigail's sin emphasizing the theme of intolerance.