Courage, as defined by Webster's Dictionary, is "the attitude or response of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful, instead of withdrawing from it."" Several characters in Arthur Miller's The Crucible experience situations that require them to demonstrate this capability, thereby forcing them to make decisions that could drastically change their lives and the lives of others. To begin, Giles Corey, an elderly yet feisty farmer in Salem, provides a model of gallant behavior for John Proctor, but at the same time, endangers his own life. In contrast with those who too willingly compromise, John Proctor, a local farmer who lives just outside Salem, becomes one of the few who has the ability to survive due to multiple acts of courage, although he loses his life during one last, noble feat. Lastly, Reverend Hale, the intellectual, nave witch-hunter, and Elizabeth Proctor, John's supremely virtuous, but often cold wife, make many courageous decisions, whether they know it at the time or not. Sometimes courage goes un-recognized until afterwards, often only upon reflection. .
Giles Corey's wisdom, courage, and insight prevail as he attempts to save the life of his wife, ultimately killing himself in doing so, all while proving a paragon of courage for others. Attempting to save their wives, Francis Nurse, Giles Corey, and John Proctor go before the court with evidence of various sorts. Corey accuses one of the girls who is "crying out" of lying, because her father can profit by his neighbors being hung in efforts to obtain their land. Giles refuses to let this happen as he points out: "I have it from an honest man who heard Putnam say it! The day his daughter cried out on Jacobs, he said she'd given him a fair gift of land"(379). Should Jacobs hang, he would forfeit his property, and Putnam is the only person in Salem with the money to purchase such a tract.
