What Role does Theocracy Play in “The Crucible”: Hypocrisy and Moral Dilemmas

Introduction

Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, was set in the theocratic town of Salem, Massachusetts, in the late 17th century; the theocracy was represented as hypocritical by the characters. The people of the theocracy, who were hypocritical, were supposed to be the most noble puritans in the town. This concept was well shown by Reverend Samuel Parris, Reverend John Hale, Judge Hathorne, and Deputy Governor Danforth.

Reverend Samuel Parris: The Hypocritical Preacher

Reverend Samuel Parris, a Puritan minister, was seen to be hypocritical as he was supposed to bring the people towards religion by beautifying the religion, but it turned out that he had been preaching only about hellfire and bloody damnation.

This led to people like John Proctor not attending church as they used to. “Parris: Such a Christian that will not come to church but once in a month! …... Proctor: I - I have no love for Mr. Parris. It is no secret. But God I surely love.” John Proctor was called a bad Christian because he lessened his trips to church, as he had no intention to be preached to only about hellfire and bloody damnation. “Proctor: I have trouble enough without I come five miles to hear him preach only hellfire and bloody damnation to heart, Mr. Parris. There are many others who stay away from church these days because you hardly ever mention God anymore.” Not attending church more than once a month seemed to give a bad impression of John Proctor to Danforth, the deputy governor, to release his wife from jail after she had been accused of witchcraft by Abigail Williams, Reverend Parris’ niece.

Reverend Samuel Parris: Protecting Reputation over Truth

Also, Reverend Parris disobeyed a commandment as he lied to save his own reputation. This was when John Proctor was talking to Danforth, Reverend Parris, and Reverend John Hale to defend Goody Proctor’s name and save her from being hanged. John Proctor uses the knowledge that he had of Reverend Parris, mentioning that he had seen Abigail, Betty, Tutuba, and some other girls dancing in the woods naked. ”Parris - it is very hard to say: Aye, a dress. And I thought I saw - someone naked running through the trees! “ John uses this piece of evidence to indicate that the women who should be seen as witches are the ones who are accusing others. This information could have ruined the reputation of Reverend Samuel Parris, Minister of Salem and Harvard graduate because having his daughter and niece be accused of witchcraft seemed to be as bad as the rise of Lucifer. As a result, Reverend Parris decided to deny John’s claim because he knew that if he had confirmed John’s evidence, neither the court nor his enemies would not blink at the fact that he is the father and uncle of witches who need to be hung.

“Parris: I can only say, sir, that I never found any of them naked, and this man is - “Reverend John Hale, the Puritan pastor of Beverly, Massachusetts, and the witch hunter, also played a major role in the hypocrisy of the theocracy. This began when he was called by Mr. Parris to bless Betty’s soul and to drive the demon out of her body, as they were both sure that a witch had bewitched her into severe sickness. However, after many hangings and false accusations in the court, Hale realized that the Salem witch trials had become a way for the people to use as revenge or greed for a neighbor's land. Because of this, Hale tried to convince Elizabeth Proctor to persuade her husband into lying.”Hale, continuing to Elizabeth: It is mistaken law that leads you to sacrifice. Life, woman, life is God’s most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it. I beg you, woman, prevail upon your husband to confess. Let him give his lie. Quail not before God’s judgment in this, for it may well be God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride. Will you plead with him? I cannot think he will listen to another.” He was asked to plead guilty to the accusation that he was the man who had bewitched Mary Warren, the Proctor’s Maid, in her sleep, which was false. If John Proctor were to plead guilty, he would just have to sign a document confirming the allegations and wouldn’t be hung or killed at the stake. However, if he were to deny the allegations, he would be hung in front of the people of Salem.

Reverend John Hale: The Awakening Conscience

Deputy Governor Danforth played a vast role as well in the hypocrisy of the theocracy. From the moment he was introduced as a character in The Crucible, he preached for the characters to tell the truth about their accusations. This includes the time when Mary Warren changed her claims and decided to tell the truth on how Elizabeth Proctor was framed with the needle on the poppet, where Deputy Danforth emphasized how God damns the liar.“Danforth: How were you instructed in your life? Do you not know that God damns all liars? Or is it now that you lie'!”(Act 3, line 108-109) However, when he was informed of Reverend Hale’s realization, he decided to question Goody Proctor if her husband was willing to lie and plead guilty to save both of their lives.” Danforth: Will you plead for his confession or will you not?” to Elizabeth.

Conclusion

The Crucible’s representation of the people of Salem’s theocracy as being hypocritical was shown mainly through lying to themselves or encouraging others to lie. Which is an act that Jesus Christ would damn them in hellfire for.

References

Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Penguin Group, 2003. 

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