The Crucible Themes

The Crucible Themes

Lies and Deceit

(Click the themes infographic to download.) Most of the characters in The Crucible are lying—if not to other people, then to themselves. Abigail lies about her ability to see spirits, as do the...

Respect and Reputation

(Click the themes infographic to download.) Reputation is extremely important in a town where social standing is tied to one’s ability to follow religious rules. Your good name is the only way y...

Compassion and Forgiveness

(Click the themes infographic to download.) John Proctor, the protagonist of The Crucible, is in desperate need of forgiveness at the start of the play... but his wife seems torn about whether to...

Good vs. Evil

(Click the themes infographic to download.) The entire village bases its belief system on the conflict between good vs. evil, or Satan vs. God. Over and over, as people are accused of witchcraft,...

The Supernatural

(Click the themes infographic to download.) The supernatural is real to the people in The Crucible. They see evidence of God and evidence of the Devil everywhere. Yet nobody actually sees spiritsâ...

Justice

(Click the themes infographic to download.) The Salem of The Crucible is a theocracy, which means that God is supposed to be the ultimate leader, arbiter, and judge. In practice, however, the town...

Religion

(Click the themes infographic to download.) Religion is woven into the everyday life of Salem in The Crucible. The townsfolk practice a form of Christianity centered on a set of clearly defined ru...

Jealousy

(Click the themes infographic to download.) Many of the characters are motivated by jealousy and greed in The Crucible. Abigail is motivated by jealousy of Elizabeth Proctor; she wants Elizabeth t...