The Individual Versus Society in The Crucible Essay

In The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, there is a controversy between the individual and the society. Is it more important to be a good and moral person or is it more important to be viewed as one? Arthur Miller believes that the societys views on a person overpower that of an individuals ideas and actions.

With substantial evidence for Abigails motives to blame his own wife, he is still very cautious and wary about reporting their affair. John Proctor knows that with that confession, he will have a reputation as an adulterer. However, that confession could save everyone who has been accused. Terrified of what others will think of him, when he goes to meet Abigail in the forest, he merely threatens her. He gives her a choice and still tries to avoid having that information made public. If you do not free my wife tomorrow, I am set and bound to ruin you, Abby (157) It is very crucial that John Proctor says If. If, Abby calls the whole thing off, John Proctor would not report it. The moral thing would be to report it, but since he reports it only because he has to, the society has won in this instance. John Proctor confessed to this because he wanted to save his wifes life, not because he felt guilty and wrong.

During the trials, many of the accused were hung with cries of laughter and happiness. These individuals had bad reputations and people didnt care if they were killed or not. Where they morally good? Maybe, but it didnt matter because no one liked them thus their death was insignificant. However, when John Proctors hanging date was coming closer and closer there was much controversy in the town. Proctor was a well-liked man. He had a strong reputation and because of that there were many objections. Even Parris, who had tension with Proctor, argued against his hanging. John Proctor is not Isaac Ward who drank his family to ruin. I would to God it were not so, Excellency, but these people have great weight yet in the town (133) Parris admits that if Proctor were to be hanged, the reactions would certainly not be the same as those of the previous hangings. The society likes Proctor, so they care about what happens to him.

John Proctor dies with dignity and honor, but only because he was afraid of his potential life with his confession and lies on paper. After confessing, Rebecca Nurse is brought in. Proctor is embarrassed and ashamed that he has given up. When she comes in he turns away and doesnt look at her. Proctor cares about what others think of him and is afraid of seeing the disappointment and disapproval in Rebeccas eyes.

At first, Proctor confesses but when asked to sign he objects. Proctor doesnt wish to have his name hanged on the church door. He doesnt want the entire town to see. I have confessed myself! Is there no good penitence but in public? God does not need my name nailed upon the church! God sees my name; God knows how black my sins are! It is enough (149) John Proctor is concerned about sinning, but he is even more concerned about the town seeing it all on paper. Afraid of the talk and murmurs, Proctor was fine with just signing the confession because there wasnt any substantial proof. However, if it were to be nailed on the church door, the entire town could see his weakness and dishonesty. He takes back his confession because he doesnt want to live in a town with a bad name.

Arthur Miller believes society has won because although an individual may have good morals and be a respectable person, this only matters with a society to view that person. Someone can only be respectable with people to respect that person. People cannot live happily if they know that others think poorly about them. John Proctor died, not to be a good person, but to be viewed as one.