Friday, March 21, 2014

What does Elizabeth Proctor learn about herself?

Elizabeth actually learns many things in Arthur Miller's
The Crucible.  Her husband John had an affair with their former
servant Abigail.  Elizabeth finds out about it, confronts John, and then stays with him.
Clearly she learned how to forgive.  Another thing Elizabeth learned is that, despite
his moral failing, she loves her husband very much.  She understands and loves him
enough to let  him die at peace with God.  She learns that life isn't fair and that
jealousy is a powerful emotion, for she is unfairly punished because of a false
accusation made by Abigail.  Finally, among other things, Elizabeth is able to
understand it was her own insecurities which prompted her husband, at least in part, to
temporarily forsake her.  The last time she speaks to John she asks his forgiveness,
saying it's a cold woman who prompts her husband to lechery.  This is an epiphany of
sorts, and she is willing to take her share of the blame for John's adultery.  This
story is, indeed, a journey of self-discovery for Elizabeth. 

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