The Lie in Arthur Miller's The Crucible

Komala, Cindy Natalia (2009) The Lie in Arthur Miller's The Crucible. Bachelor thesis, Petra Christian University.

Abstract

This thesis is about the reasons and consequence of Abigail Williams' lie. It is based on Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, a play of the seventeenth century Puritans who were involved in witch-hunts and witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. The main character, Abigail Williams holds an important role of everything that happened in her community. I am interested in discussing why Abigail lies and what are the consequences of her lies in the society. Asides from applying the theory of characterization and conflict, I also use the concept of lie to analyze why Abigail lies and the consequences of her lies in the society. From the analysis, I find that lie can be used by Abigail as a tool to survive and gain power. Abigail's lie can make the court unable to see the truth and lie. A simple lie can blur the line between truth and lie. As a result, lie becomes truth. The court gives the death penalty to the innocent people and the court has to face the consequence that is being distrusted by the citizen.

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