A Test of Character in The CrucibleA crucible refers to a severe test and in The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, each person is challenged in a severe test of their character or moral. There are many more people who fail than those who pass, but three notable characters stand out. Reverend John Hale, Elizabeth Proctor, and John Proctor all change significantly over the course of the play. All participants in the witch hunt were influenced by the society that existed in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. Salem operated as a theocracy, a government governed by and subject to religious authority. In a theocracy, people's sins are not forgiven, so that when they commit an indiscretion, they feel guilty. "The witch hunt was....a long overdue opportunity for all those so inclined to publicly express their guilt and sins, under the cover of victim-blaming." (p. 7) Figures such as Abigail Williams and Mrs. Putnam used witch hunts in the aforementioned manner, as a method of confessing their sins without being responsible for them. Others exploited the chaos created to their advantage. Thomas Putnam arranged for his daughter Ruth to accuse both George Jacobs and Rebecca Nurse so he could purchase the resulting unclaimed land after they were hanged. Any character who has accused, confessed to, or in any way joined the witch hunt has failed his or her test. The test Reverend John Hale faces is whether he can change his character soon enough to redeem himself for the lives he has caused the loss. . He is the character who shows the most significant transformation of all. When he first arrives in Salem, he is eager to discover witchcraft and is honored that his scholastic skills are needed. He feels that, as an exorcist, it is his duty to help p...... means of paper ......nnot have another one in my life! Because I lie and indulge in lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of those who hang! How can I live without my name? I gave you my soul; leave me my name!" (p. 143) By the end of the play, John has grown enough to realize that, although he was wrong to have an affair, he has not lost all honor. By learning this lesson and keeping his honor right until upon his death, John passes his test. All three characters grow, but only two of them pass the test. At the end of the play, John and Elizabeth Proctor achieve what they would not have been able to do at the beginning John Hale, on the other hand, changes significantly, but does not fully understand the truth of his wrongdoings early enough to pass the test. Works Cited: Miller, Arthur 1953. New York: Penguin Books, 1976.