7 Deadly Sins in the Crucible

The Crucible is a play based on the Salem witch trials that happened in 1693, in Massachusetts. This play was written by Arthur Miller. The characters in the play portray some of the actual people who were afflicted during the trials. Many of the characters represented some of the Seven Deadly Sins. The Seven Deadly Sins are pride, envy, lust, anger, sloth, gluttony, and covetousness. This play is full of sinners and full of sinful nature and all seven of these sins are committed in this play throughout different characters.

The main characters include: John Proctor and Abigail Williams. Both characters were sinners and represented more than just one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Pride is one’s belief in their own abilities that interferes with the individuals recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin of which all others arise and it is also known as Vanity.

John Proctor is convicted of dealing with the devil and he is to sign a paper proving that he is guilty and he is to be hung. But Johns pride is too strong that he does not sign proving he’s guilty, he would rather protect his name than to lose his pride. This was a big event that happens in this play which means the sin that is most prevalent in The Crucible is pride. On page 149, John says, “I have confessed myself! Is there no good penitence but it be 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!”. John doesn’t want to lose any more of his pride. He believes confessing is enough and he rather keep his name. Envy is the desire for someone else’s abilities or possessions. Abigail was in love with John Proctor and she envied his wife Elizabeth Proctor. The sin that she represented the most is envy. On page 24, Abigail says, “Oh, I marvel how such a strong man may let such a sickly wife be-”. In this quote, Abigail is showing her envy towards Elizabeth Proctor. Lust is the craving for sexual pleasures. John lusted Abigail and later was a very angry man towards her.

John also represented sloth when he chose to plow rather than go to church. The sin that John represents the most is lust because he went after Abigail and committed adultery which was a big root to his problems. On page 115, it John says, “I have known her, sir. I have known her.” then Danforth says, “ You – you are a lecher?”. In this act, John admits to committing adultery. Anger is when one is full of fury. In Act 1, it says “Abigail, with a bitter anger : Oh, I marvel how such a strong man may let such a sickly wife be- Proctor, angered at himself as well: You’ll speak nothin’ of Elizabeth!” Both characters are representing the sin of anger. Sloth is the avoidance of spiritual work. Proctor says “I-I have once or twice plowed on Sunday.” John Proctor commits this sin when he chooses to plow on Sunday rather than go to church on Sunday rather than go to church.Covetousness is a desire for wealth and gain. Judge Danforth commits this when he only cares about his credibility. Gluttony is one’s desire to consume more than one needs. This sin was not as commonly portrayed as the rest of the sins were.

In conclusion, The Crucible is full of the Seven Deadly Sins, which are pride,envy, lust, anger, sloth, gluttony, and covetousness. These sins were composed throughout this play and portrayed by people who were and weren’t afflicted. The city that this event took place in was full of sinners and witchcraft. John Proctor and Abigail Williams represented many of these sins as well as many others in this play. Any type of witch craft or sins was not allowed.

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