Essay | Sin and Guilt in "The Crucible"

With the mistakes of humanity comes both sin and guilt. The Crucible written by Arthur Miller shows the true chaos and panic of the Salem Witch Trials. John Proctor believes his affair with Abigail Williams ruined his relationship with God, his wife Elizabeth, and also damaged his self image. Throughout the play, Proctor's character shows an internal struggle while dealing with his own sin and guilt.

By committing a sin, John put himself at risk of condemnation in the strict Puritan society. At the end of the play, John is faced with either confessing and therefore sinning or to die a martyr. John says to Elizabeth "My honesty is broke, Elizabeth; I am no good man. Nothing's spoiled by giving them this lie that were not rotten long before." and explains he would rather die an honest man than live a lie of sin....
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