crucible essay questions
2) Discuss the concept of reputation in The Crucible. ... Although the Puritans of Salem (especially the characters of The Crucible) were expected to live moral lives, conspicuously follow the commandments, and be held down by absolutely no “human” ties, they all were, even priests, subject to languishment. ... Most (if not all) of the actions in The Crucible are carried out because of reputation, even the death of John Proctor (who refused to sign his name, thus voiding his already shadowy reputation) is based on his reputation. ... Because of the fact that reputation in The Crucible is taken so seriously, characters (such as Abigail and Betty) would rather have blood on their hands then accept a somewhat dark reputation. ... Proctor was perhaps the only person in The Crucible to achieve in saving face. ... There was never any factual information in The Crucible, as it all went by a system of accusations, trials, confinement, death. ... Although hysteria was bad for some characters in The Crucible, others used it for personal gain.