Marriages in the late 1600's were all but romantic although the husband and wife loved each other; it took awhile for the bond to really develop into love. John and Elizabeth Proctor's marriage is a prime example of a bond that has blossomed and is wilting quickly due to John's wandering lust and Elizabeth's sickness. Arthur Miller's use of Puritan expressions and words illustrate that Elizabeth and John Proctor are experiencing a trying time in their marriage, a time that requires them both to control themselves and listen to understand each other.

John Proctor's language to his wife embodies the role of a husband who has done wrong and has repented. After their stilted conversation about the food, John attempts to talk about their somewhat withering relationship. "If the crop is good I'll buy George Jacobs' heifer. How would that please you"" By asking what she thinks of...