Crucible – Arthur Miller

Short Summary

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a dramatic retelling of the Salem witch trials of 1692, exploring themes of mass hysteria, power, and integrity.

In the small Puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts, a group of girls, led by Abigail Williams, are caught dancing in the woods. To avoid punishment, they falsely accuse others of witchcraft. The town descends into paranoia as Deputy Governor Danforth and the court begin executing supposed witches based on these accusations.

John Proctor, a respected farmer, tries to expose the lies but is entangled in scandal—he once had an affair with Abigail, who now seeks revenge by accusing his wife, Elizabeth Proctor. As the trials intensify, Reverend Hale, initially a firm believer in the court, realizes the corruption and fights to save the innocent.

In the climax, Proctor refuses to falsely confess to witchcraft, choosing to die with honor rather than live with a lie. The play ends with John Proctor being hanged, while the town remains trapped in fear and hysteria.

This powerful tragedy serves as an allegory for McCarthyism, warning against the dangers of mass paranoia and false accusations.

Act 1: The Seeds of Hysteria

The play opens in Salem, Massachusetts, 1692, in Reverend Parris’s house. Betty Parris, Reverend Parris’s 10-year-old daughter, lies motionless in bed. Parris is praying and weeping, deeply worried about his daughter’s condition. He questions his niece, Abigail Williams, about what happened the night before. The previous night, he caught Abigail and other girls dancing in the woods. Tituba, Parris’s slave from Barbados, was with them. Abigail denies any witchcraft and insists they were only dancing. Susanna Walcott enters with a message from Doctor Griggs. The doctor says there is no medical cause for Betty’s illness. He suggests “unnatural causes” should be considered. Parris is horrified at the idea of witchcraft in his house. He fears the townspeople will remove him as minister. Abigail insists there was nothing supernatural happening. Parris questions Abigail’s reputation, mentioning she was fired from the Proctor household. Abigail blames Elizabeth Proctor, calling her a “lying, cold woman.”

Thomas and Ann Putnam arrive, concerned about their own daughter, Ruth. Ann Putnam says Ruth is also sick and won’t wake up. She believes witchcraft is the cause. Ann reveals she lost seven babies and suspects foul play. She sent Ruth to Tituba to conjure the spirits of her dead babies. Thomas Putnam supports the witchcraft claims and encourages Parris to take action.

Mercy Lewis, the Putnams’ servant, arrives and updates them on Ruth’s condition. Mercy secretly tells Abigail that Betty isn’t really sick, just scared. Mary Warren, the Proctors’ servant, enters, terrified of the growing hysteria. Mary suggests they confess to dancing to avoid worse punishment. Abigail threatens the girls to keep silent. She warns them that if they speak of blood-drinking, she will hurt them.

Betty suddenly wakes up screaming at the sound of the Lord’s name. She tries to fly out the window, screaming for her dead mother. Rebecca Nurse arrives with John Proctor, Giles Corey, and Francis Nurse. Rebecca calms Betty, saying it is just childish fear. Proctor and Putnam begin arguing over land disputes. Proctor criticizes Parris, saying he preaches too much about hell. Parris demands more money and land, angering Proctor.

Reverend Hale arrives from Beverly, carrying heavy books. Hale is an expert on witchcraft and has been called to investigate. Parris tells Hale about Tituba and the girls’ dancing. Hale interrogates Abigail about what happened. Abigail blames Tituba, saying she made them drink blood. Tituba is summoned, frightened and confused. Hale questions Tituba, asking if she serves the Devil. Tituba denies everything, but Parris and Putnam pressure her.

Putnam threatens to whip her unless she confesses. Tituba, terrified, “confesses” to seeing the Devil to save herself. Hale praises her for telling the truth. Tituba names Sarah Good and Sarah Osburn as witches. Abigail, realizing this strategy works, claims she also saw witches. Betty wakes up and joins in, naming more people. Hale and Parris become excited about these “revelations.” The scene descends into chaos, as the girls scream out names. Abigail pretends to be under a spell, claiming she “feels the Devil’s touch.” Putnam encourages more accusations, seeing an opportunity. The girls imitate each other, fueling mass hysteria.

Proctor and Rebecca Nurse grow uneasy about the scene. Proctor tries to calm the hysteria, but it spirals out of control. Rebecca warns that this will ruin Salem, but is ignored. Giles Corey mentions his wife reads strange books at night. Hale grows suspicious and asks Giles more questions. Giles regrets mentioning it, but the suspicion is planted. Parris prays loudly, hoping for divine intervention. The crowd begins murmuring names of suspected witches. Hale asks for full investigations to be carried out. Putnam and Parris suggest arresting the accused witches.

Elizabeth Proctor’s name is whispered among the crowd. Abigail smiles smugly, hinting at her plan to accuse Elizabeth. Mary Warren looks uncomfortable, but says nothing. Mercy Lewis joins in, claiming she saw spirits. Hale asks Abigail if she ever felt the Devil’s presence. Abigail dramatically shudders, pretending to feel something evil. Betty copies Abigail, making the hysteria spread faster. Parris thanks God for revealing the witches in Salem. Tituba begins crying and chanting prayers to save herself. Hale comforts Tituba, calling her a good Christian now.

Putnam suggests rounding up more suspects. Proctor clenches his fists, sensing danger ahead. Giles Corey shakes his head, realizing this is a trap. Rebecca Nurse quietly leaves, disgusted. Abigail fakes another convulsion, making others scream. Hale calls for the court to be convened.

Parris, now emboldened, declares he will root out the witches. Hale prays for strength to battle evil. Tituba collapses, exhausted and sobbing. Mary Warren starts crying, overwhelmed by fear. Proctor warns Abigail to stop her lies. Abigail glares at Proctor, vowing revenge. Betty falls back into bed, shaking. Parris tells the town to prepare for trials. Hale makes a list of names to investigate. Giles leaves to warn his wife.

Rebecca Nurse sighs, knowing the madness has begun. Putnam smiles, seeing a way to gain more land. The town bells ring, announcing the witch hunt. Hale and Parris talk about God’s will. Proctor stands alone, deep in thought. Elizabeth Proctor senses something bad is coming. Tituba whispers a final prayer. Abigail smirks, knowing she controls Salem now. The girls stand together, ready to accuse more people. The hysteria has taken hold. The act ends in chaos, setting the stage for more accusations.

Act 2: The Spread of Fear

Eight days later, the hysteria has spread, and Salem is in turmoil. 14 people are in jail, accused of witchcraft, and the number is rising. The act opens in the Proctor household, a small farmhouse. John Proctor returns home from the fields, tired from work. Elizabeth Proctor serves dinner, tense and distant. Their relationship is strained due to John’s past affair with Abigail. John tries to please Elizabeth, seasoning the food himself. They discuss the ongoing trials and how many people are accused.

Elizabeth urges John to expose Abigail, who confessed that it was all a lie. John hesitates because he has no proof—Abigail told him in private. Elizabeth grows suspicious when she realizes John was alone with Abigail. John gets defensive, claiming he is not hiding anything. Elizabeth remains cold, unable to fully trust him again. Mary Warren, their servant, returns home from court looking exhausted.

She disobeyed John’s order to stay away from the trials. John is furious and demands she stop going. Mary gives Elizabeth a poppet (doll) she made in court. Mary reveals that 39 people are now accused of witchcraft. John is shocked—the hysteria is worse than he thought. Mary reports that Sarah Good confessed to witchcraft to avoid execution. Sarah Good “cursed” Mary Warren when she denied her bread. Mary claims Sarah Good sent her spirit to choke her.

John dismisses this as nonsense, but Mary believes it. Mary reveals that Elizabeth’s name was mentioned in court. Elizabeth is horrified, realizing Abigail is trying to accuse her. John reassures her that he will protect her. Elizabeth urges John to make Abigail see reason. John feels conflicted—he does not want to see Abigail. Elizabeth calls John a coward, accusing him of protecting Abigail. John, angry, insists he is done with Abigail.

Elizabeth reminds him that Abigail wants her dead. John is frustrated, feeling powerless. Reverend Hale arrives unexpectedly at the Proctor home. Hale is visiting accused people to assess their Christian character. Hale questions why the Proctors rarely attend church. John explains he dislikes Parris’s greed and sermons on damnation. Hale asks John to recite the Ten Commandments. John forgets “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”

Elizabeth reminds him, and Hale takes note of his mistake. John grows nervous under Hale’s questioning. Hale asks if John believes in witches. John says he does not believe good women like Rebecca Nurse are witches. Hale is surprised by his answer. Giles Corey and Francis Nurse enter, distressed. They reveal that their wives, Martha Corey and Rebecca Nurse, have been arrested. Rebecca is accused of killing Ann Putnam’s babies. Martha is accused because Giles mentioned she read strange books.

Hale is troubled but still trusts the court. Ezekiel Cheever and Marshal Herrick arrive with a warrant. They have come to arrest Elizabeth. John is furious and demands to know why. Cheever searches the house and finds the poppet. Inside the poppet, there is a needle stuck in its belly. Abigail claimed Elizabeth’s spirit stabbed her with a needle. Mary Warren admits she made the poppet and put the needle in it. Elizabeth is still arrested despite Mary’s explanation. John grabs the warrant and tears it up. Cheever warns him that attacking the court is dangerous.

John physically stops them from taking Elizabeth. Elizabeth tells John to let her go and fight for justice. Elizabeth is taken away, refusing to cry. John demands that Mary testify in court. Mary is terrified, knowing the other girls will turn against her. John shouts at Mary, demanding she expose Abigail. Mary breaks down, sobbing that Abigail will kill her. John insists that Mary must tell the truth.

Mary warns that Abigail will accuse John of lechery (adultery). John realizes this is the trap Abigail set. He is shaken but determined. Mary begs John to leave it alone. John refuses, saying he cannot let innocent people die. Mary says the court believes the girls completely. John calls Abigail a “whore” for what she is doing. John kneels, asking for Elizabeth’s forgiveness. Elizabeth is taken to jail, silent and proud. John slams his fists against the table in rage.

Mary trembles, unable to decide what to do. John grabs her by the shoulders, making her look at him. He tells Mary she must do what is right, not what is easy. Mary sobs but nods. John’s anger turns to steely determination. He promises Elizabeth he will bring her home. Hale, shaken, prays softly, doubting himself. Giles Corey and Francis Nurse vow to fight for their wives. Hale warns John that challenging the court is dangerous. John tells Hale that the Devil is not in Salem—only vengeance.

Hale looks at John with new doubt. John declares that he will go to court tomorrow. Mary shivers, dreading what will come next. John clenches his fists, ready to expose Abigail. The house falls silent except for the sound of the wind. Giles Corey leaves, muttering that he will not let Salem fall to madness. Hale stays behind, lost in thought, as doubt eats at him. Mary stares at the poppet, horrified at what it has caused. John stands by the fire, his shadow flickering ominously.

The night grows darker as fear spreads through Salem. John turns to Mary one last time, whispering, “We will tell the truth.” Mary nods, but tears run down her face. The door slams shut as John prepares for battle. The act ends, setting the stage for a courtroom showdown.

Act 3: The Courtroom Chaos

1. The act opens in the Salem meetinghouse, now the courtroom.
2. Judge Hathorne and Deputy Governor Danforth preside over the trials.
3. Martha Corey is being questioned as Giles Corey protests.
4. Giles argues that the accusations are false.
5. Danforth warns Giles not to disrupt the court.
6. Giles presents evidence that Putnam is accusing people to gain land.
7. Danforth dismisses Giles’s claim, saying the court seeks truth.
8. Francis Nurse arrives, defending Rebecca Nurse’s innocence.
9. Danforth refuses to reconsider Rebecca’s verdict.
10. John Proctor enters with Mary Warren, determined to expose Abigail.
11. John gives Danforth a deposition signed by 91 people defending Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Martha.
12. Danforth orders the 91 people to be arrested for questioning.
13. John is shocked that honesty leads to more arrests.
14. Hale expresses concern over the growing number of accused.
15. Giles presents evidence that Putnam told his daughter to accuse people for land.
16. Danforth asks Giles for the name of his source.
17. Giles refuses to give the name, fearing they will be arrested.
18. Danforth charges Giles with contempt of court.
19. Giles is dragged away, shouting that they are destroying Salem.
20. John urges Mary to tell the court the truth.
21. Mary hesitates, fearing Abigail.
22. Danforth asks Mary to explain herself.
23. Mary confesses that the girls were pretending.
24. Hale supports Mary, saying the court must reconsider.
25. Danforth grows suspicious of Proctor’s intentions.
26. John assures Danforth he only wants the truth.
27. Danforth tells John that Elizabeth is pregnant.
28. John is stunned but relieved.
29. Danforth offers to let Elizabeth live until the baby is born.
30. John refuses the offer, saying the other accused women must be freed too.
31. Abigail and the girls enter, acting innocent.
32. Mary hesitates under Abigail’s gaze.
33. John presents Mary’s deposition, saying she was pressured to lie.
34. Danforth questions Abigail about the dancing in the woods.
35. Abigail denies any wrongdoing.
36. John tells Danforth that Abigail is lying.
37. Abigail pretends to feel a spirit attacking her.
38. The girls join in, screaming that Mary is cursing them.
39. Mary panics, unable to handle their accusations.
40. John shouts that Abigail is a “whore.”
41. Danforth demands proof of John’s claim.
42. John confesses to his affair with Abigail.
43. He says Abigail wants Elizabeth dead to replace her.
44. Danforth is shocked but unsure if John is truthful.
45. Abigail denies everything, calling John a liar.
46. Danforth calls for Elizabeth to be brought in.
47. John and Abigail are ordered to turn away so Elizabeth cannot see them.
48. Elizabeth enters, unaware that John has confessed.
49. Danforth asks Elizabeth why she dismissed Abigail.
50. Elizabeth hesitates, wanting to protect John’s reputation.
51. Elizabeth lies and says John never committed adultery.
52. John cries out, realizing Elizabeth was trying to save him.
53. Danforth takes Elizabeth’s word over John’s confession.
54. Abigail smirks, realizing she has won.
55. Hale protests, saying Elizabeth’s lie was out of love.
56. Danforth refuses to change his mind.
57. Abigail suddenly screams, looking at the ceiling.
58. The girls pretend to see a spirit attacking them.
59. Abigail claims Mary is sending out her spirit.
60. Mary panics as the girls mimic her every word.
61. Mary begs them to stop, but they continue.
62. Danforth believes the girls and pressures Mary to confess.
63. Mary, terrified, turns to John.
64. Abigail acts as if Mary is controlling her.
65. Mary breaks down under pressure.
66. Mary suddenly points at John and cries, “He is the Devil’s man!”
67. John is stunned by her betrayal.
68. Mary claims John forced her to lie.
69. Danforth asks John if he works for the Devil.
70. John refuses but knows he is doomed.
71. Abigail watches triumphantly as John is accused.
72. Hale, realizing the court is corrupt, denounces it.
73. Hale pleads for reason, but Danforth ignores him.
74. Danforth orders John to be arrested.
75. Giles Corey is also condemned.
76. Mary clings to Abigail, begging forgiveness.
77. John laughs bitterly, calling the court a fraud.
78. He shouts that “God is dead!”
79. Danforth sees John’s outburst as proof of his guilt.
80. Hale tries to stop the madness but is overruled.
81. John is dragged away, still laughing bitterly.
82. Abigail watches him, satisfied with the outcome.
83. Hale slams his fists on the table, furious.
84. Danforth tells the court that justice is being served.
85. Francis Nurse whispers that they are all doomed.
86. Elizabeth watches silently as John is taken.
87. Hale declares, “I quit this court!” and storms out.
88. The room falls into uneasy silence.
89. Abigail and the girls exchange glances, sensing their power.
90. Danforth orders the court to continue.
91. More accusations are written down.
92. The courtroom remains tense and fearful.
93. Elizabeth closes her eyes, knowing John is lost.
94. Giles mutters that Salem is cursed.
95. The judges prepare for the next case.
96. Outside, the town murmurs uneasily.
97. Hale walks out into the night, defeated.
98. The girls pretend to be normal again.
99. The act ends with the courtroom in chaos.
100. The trials continue, leading to the tragic climax.

Act 4: The Tragic End (100 Points)

1. The act opens in Salem jail, months after the trials began.
2. The town is in chaos, with many people in prison.
3. Cows wander the streets as farms are abandoned.
4. People are terrified and losing faith in the court.
5. Reverend Parris is anxious and restless.
6. He has been receiving death threats.
7. The trials have lost public support.
8. Danforth remains firm, refusing to stop the executions.
9. Hale has returned to Salem, deeply changed.
10. He now believes the trials were a mistake.
11. Hale prays with the prisoners, urging them to confess to save their lives.
12. He feels responsible for the innocent deaths.
13. Elizabeth Proctor is brought from jail to speak to John.
14. She has been spared execution because she is pregnant.
15. John has been in prison for months and is weak.
16. Elizabeth and John have an emotional reunion.
17. Hale and Parris beg Elizabeth to convince John to confess.
18. John is considering confessing to save his life.
19. He struggles with his pride and his morality.
20. He does not want to die, but he does not want to lie.
21. Elizabeth refuses to influence his decision.
22. She says he must decide for himself.
23. John asks if she forgives him for his past sins.
24. Elizabeth says she has no anger left for him.
25. John is deeply moved.
26. Danforth and Parris return, waiting for John’s decision.
27. John finally agrees to confess.
28. Danforth is pleased, believing this will justify the trials.
29. John is given a written confession to sign.
30. He admits he worked with the Devil.
31. Danforth asks him to name others who practiced witchcraft.
32. John refuses to accuse anyone else.
33. Danforth insists, but John will not betray anyone.
34. John’s confession is considered incomplete.
35. He insists his confession should be enough.
36. Danforth demands that John sign the confession.
37. John hesitates, realizing what it means.
38. If he signs, his name will be posted in the town.
39. John realizes he cannot let his name be used for a lie.
40. He asks, “How may I live without my name?”
41. Elizabeth watches, understanding his struggle.
42. Hale urges John to sign and live.
43. John takes the paper and slowly signs it.
44. Danforth smiles, believing he has won.
45. John suddenly grabs the confession and refuses to hand it over.
46. Danforth demands he give it back.
47. John refuses, saying they cannot take his name.
48. He cries, “I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”
49. Danforth insists the confession must be made public.
50. John tears the paper in half.
51. Elizabeth gasps but does not stop him.
52. Danforth is enraged.
53. Hale pleads with John to reconsider.
54. John stands tall, finally at peace.
55. He will not live a lie, even if it means dying.
56. Parris is terrified, knowing the town may turn against him.
57. He warns that people are growing restless.
58. Hale begs Elizabeth to convince John to save himself.
59. Elizabeth refuses, seeing John’s newfound strength.
60. She whispers, “He has his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him.”
61. John is led to the gallows.
62. Rebecca Nurse is also being executed that morning.
63. She stands proud, refusing to confess.
64. John and Rebecca exchange glances of silent respect.
65. The town watches as they are led to their deaths.
66. The drums beat ominously.
67. Hale and Parris continue pleading for John to confess again.
68. John does not respond.
69. Danforth refuses to stop the execution.
70. The noose is prepared.
71. John takes one last look at Elizabeth.
72. Elizabeth does not cry, only nods.
73. John smiles slightly, knowing he is dying with honor.
74. Hale curses the court and walks away.
75. Danforth stands firm, believing in his justice.
76. Parris looks around nervously, realizing his power is slipping.
77. The townspeople murmur, questioning the trials.
78. Some begin to weep as the execution begins.
79. John takes a deep breath as the rope is placed around his neck.
80. The sun rises, casting a golden light on the gallows.
81. A prayer is whispered in the distance.
82. The executioner steps forward.
83. John does not resist.
84. Rebecca Nurse closes her eyes, whispering a prayer.
85. Elizabeth silently watches, refusing to break down.
86. Hale buries his face in his hands.
87. The rope is pulled.
88. The crowd gasps as John and Rebecca are hanged.
89. The act ends in a moment of stillness.
90. The sun shines on the lifeless bodies.
91. Salem is forever changed by the injustice.
92. The trials will soon come to an end.
93. Parris will lose his power and flee Salem.
94. Abigail will leave town, vanishing into obscurity.
95. Hale will carry his guilt for the rest of his life.
96. Danforth will never admit his mistakes.
97. Elizabeth will raise John’s child alone.
98. The town will slowly recover, but never forget.
99. The hysteria ends, but at a terrible cost.
100. The curtain falls, leaving a haunting silence.