Examples of Pride in The Crucible

Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, depicts a community consumed by fear, suspicion, and paranoia during the Salem witch trials. Throughout the play, the theme of pride emerges as a central driving force behind the characters' actions and decisions. Pride, as portrayed in The Crucible, leads to tragic consequences for the characters as they struggle to maintain their reputation, honor, and social standing. This essay will explore various examples of pride in The Crucible, analyzing how it motivates the characters and contributes to the overall themes of the play.

John Proctor's Struggle with Pride

One of the most prominent examples of pride in The Crucible is John Proctor's struggle with maintaining his reputation and integrity. From the beginning of the play, Proctor is portrayed as a strong-willed and independent individual who takes pride in his name and honor. When questioned about his infidelity with Abigail Williams, Proctor's pride prevents him from openly admitting to the affair, as he fears the damage it would cause to his reputation. This pride ultimately leads to his downfall, as his refusal to publicly confess his sins and expose Abigail's deceit results in his arrest and eventual execution. Proctor's pride, rooted in his desire to preserve his reputation, ultimately leads to his tragic demise.

Deputy Governor Danforth's Pride

Similarly, the character of Deputy Governor Danforth demonstrates a different form of pride in The Crucible. As a figure of authority and justice in Salem, Danforth takes immense pride in his reputation as a fair and righteous leader. This pride blinds him to the possibility that the girls accusing others of witchcraft may be lying, as he is unwilling to acknowledge any flaws in the justice system he presides over. Danforth's pride in his own judgment and authority leads to the wrongful conviction and execution of numerous innocent individuals, further perpetuating the hysteria and paranoia gripping Salem. His refusal to entertain the idea that the accusations may be false ultimately contributes to the tragic outcome of the play.

Reverend Parris's Selfish Pride

In contrast to the pride exhibited by Proctor and Danforth, Reverend Parris demonstrates a more selfish and materialistic form of pride. Throughout the play, Parris is preoccupied with maintaining his social status and financial standing in Salem. His pride is evident in his obsession with his reputation and fear of any scandal that could tarnish his image. When his daughter Betty falls ill and rumors of witchcraft spread, Parris is more concerned with the potential damage to his reputation than with her well-being. This selfish pride blinds him to the suffering of others and leads to his isolation and eventual downfall as the community turns against him. Parris' pride ultimately contributes to the chaos and tragedy that unfolds in Salem.

Community Pride

The theme of pride in The Crucible extends beyond individual characters and infiltrates the entire community of Salem. The townspeople's pride in their religious fervor and moral superiority leads them to turn a blind eye to reason and logic, as they become consumed by the fear of witchcraft. This collective pride contributes to the hysteria and paranoia that grips Salem, leading to the wrongful accusations and executions of numerous innocent individuals. The pride of the community prevents them from questioning the validity of the accusations and forces them to adhere blindly to the rigid social and religious norms of the time.

Conclusion

The Crucible serves as a powerful exploration of the destructive nature of pride and its impact on individuals and communities. Through the examples of characters such as John Proctor, Deputy Governor Danforth, and Reverend Parris, as well as the broader community of Salem, Arthur Miller highlights the tragic consequences of pride and its role in perpetuating fear, suspicion, and injustice. The play serves as a cautionary tale, reminding audiences of the dangers of unchecked pride and the importance of humility and empathy in the face of adversity. As the characters in The Crucible learn, pride can be a fatal flaw that leads to devastating consequences for both individuals and society as a whole.