Till Death Do Us Part

Till Death Do Us Part

Marriage is a union between two people. These people may be happy with each other, but their marriage is likely to be tested through time. Obstacles usually confront them, and if they overcome these obstacles their bond either grows stronger or falls apart. In Arthur Miller’s Crucible, one couple, John and Elizabeth Proctor, faces such an obstacle during the 1692 Salem witch trials. Elizabeth Proctor is accused by Abigail of witchcraft and is imprisoned. This obstacle could end an already strained marrage.

John’s mistake with Abigail strains his marriage and makes his wife suspicious of him. After John committs adultery with Abigail, he confesses immediately to his wife. Although John is the one who committs adultery, Elizabeth feels responsible for what happened. “I mean to please you”, she says to John. She believes she does not live up to the expectations of her husband. Elizabeth gets mad at herself when she forgets to give John some cider. She believes she could have done something to prevent John’s adultery. She feels she is inadequate as a wife.

John feels responsible for Elizabeth’s imprisonment. He realizes his affair with Abigail may have lead to Elizabeth’s imprisonment. John’s affair with Abigail has made Elizabeth a target for revenge. Elizabeth warns John shortly before she is taken, “A promise is made in any bed… She thinks to kill me and take my place.” Abigail has an attraction for John. Her attraction drives her to try to replace Elizabeth.

John has to decide what is more important, his marriage and integrity or his life. John has evidence that may discredit Abigail and save hundreds of