This plain-spoken, vigorous farmer would seem to represent the good, average citizen who may upon occasion be moved to take heroic action. He would not normally be considered a saintly individual, and he has no great eagerness to be a martyr. Yet when put to the final test, the meaning here of "crucible," he will go to his death rather than irrevocably compromise his integrity. His human frailty is established early in the play. Although normally a good husband and father, he is said to have seduced the beautiful and very young Abigail, when she was a servant girl at his farm. In a community that places much emphasis upon church attendance, he has not been the most faithful of worshippers. In addition, as the Reverend Mr. Hale easily ascertains, he cannot readily recite his Ten Commandments. Furthermore, he is by no means desirous of courting trouble. He may speak up boldly to Parris, for whom he has contempt, but he is decidedly cautious when questioned by Hale. Whatever private opinions he entertains on the subject of witchcraft, he makes his replies as ambiguous as possible to avoid drawing the minister's censure. He also tries to stop Elizabeth from speaking too freely. On three other occasions there is abundant evidence that he is not naturally given to rash or bold gestures. For one thing, he is quite reluctant to heed his wife's urging to denounce Abigail to the court. Apart from the fact that he has loved her, he considers the move dangerous. He might not be believed. Again, when the judges tell him that he need not keep forcing upon them the unwelcome deposition, since his wife claims to be pregnant, he is, for the moment, unsure. Clearly he is tempted to withdraw, but loyalty to his friends finally wins out. Lastly, after suffering torture and close confinement for several months, he is disposed to sign a confession. This is not entirely selfish, for he wants to care for his wife and children.
