Assignment Discuss how the themes of both envy and purification are conveyed through the relationship between Abigail and Proctor. Response The Crucible is a play written in 1953 by Arthur Miller in which the themes of purification and envy are conveyed throughout the relationship between Abigail and Proctor. It took place in Salem, Massachusetts in 1629. Miller wrote this play as an allegory of McCarthyism. He depicted the U.S government and their fears of communist influence on American institutions. The Puritans society was an extreme one with strict and non-negotiable expectations. Purification is one of the most penetrating and main themes in Millers play. Purification is clearly emphasized through the title of the play The Crucible. Envy was also another theme that was strongly delineated in the play. These themes were deeply conveyed by Abigail and Proctors stage direction, dialogue and mini-essays. Abigail and Proctors characters as well as their relationship clearly emphasize both themes in the play. Abigail, Reverend Parris' orphaned niece plays the role of an antagonist in the play. Unlike the girls in Salem, Abigail is not submissive which is why her uncle is suspicious and even more because she's rebellious. That alone was considered filthy and impure. In Act one, Abigail states these words, alluding about her past affair with Proctor. I look for John Proctor that took me from my sleep and put knowledge in my heart! I never knew what pretense Salem was, I never knew the lying lessons I was taught by all these Christian women and their covenanted men! And now you bid me tear the light out of my eyes? (Act 1) This moving scene effectively illustrates the theme of purification. Abigail confesses her love for proctor, and also expresses her fascination. Proctor has changed towards her and she cant accept the fact that he wants her to forget about their affair. She is clearly stating that she wants the man she formerly knew, the man who gave her love she never experienced before. She is accusing him for enlightening her and giving her knowledge. Her relationship with John Proctor enlightened her, not only sexually but also knowledge wise. He encouraged her thoughts until she was convinced enough to resent the puritans beliefs. They think alike, they both don't believe in what their society's beliefs. Before Proctor came into her life she bar