Struggle of Marry Warren in the Crucible

The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller in the year 1953, is a story about a witch trial that took place in 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts. Mary Warren, the servant of the Proctors, though not one of the main characters in the play, plays a significant role in the development of the whole plot. As a seventeen year-old subservient girl, Mary knows all the people in the little town of Salem lead to her being submerged in multiple groups of people. Such a self-contradictory girl as Mary is considered to be not having her own individual identity by many of the readers. These kinds of misunderstandings on the part of Mary are proven to be wrong when she was first convinced by John Proctor to tell the truth in the court. But later, Mary becomes hesitated by social pressure and fear of authority.

Mary Warren, as one of the girls who went into the woods and watched but did not join, knows the truth about the witchcraft. As it said in Act One: MARY WARREN: “What'll we do? The village is out! I just come from the farm; the whole country's talkin' witchcraft! They'll be callin' us witches, Abby! Abby, we've got to tell.” MERCY, pointing and looking at Mary Warren: “She means to tell, I know it.”MARY WARREN: “Abby, we’ve got to tell. Witchery's a hangin' error, a hangin' like they done in Boston two year ago! We must tell the truth, Abby! You'll only be whipped for dancin', and the other things!” (I.144-147)

The goodness and kindness deeply rooted in Mary’s heart promote her to realize the right action to be taken. She has a clear understanding of justice and a decisive mind which is directed by her true feelings, in other words, Mary knows the truth and what is the right thing to do. More importantly, written in Act Three, under the circumstances that Elizabeth Proctor was being accused and sent to prison, Mary Warren is convinced by John Proctor to testify for Elizabeth’s innocence at the witch trial as well as stating the truth to Judge Hathrone and Judge Danforth. The fact that Mary does compromise when John pushed her doubtlessly implies Mary’s potential goodwill inside. Mary’s individual identity can be proven based on her self-consciousness and her deposition for Elizabeth.

On the other hand, her words show her panic facing Abigail Williams, who leads the girls in the whole event. Mary Warren’s fear to the authority and social stress is not only presented in Act One, but also showed in Abigail’s death threat and everyone’s pressure in Act Three.Proctor. God damns liars, Mary! (Mary utters something unintelligible staring at Abigail, who keeps watching the “birds” above.) Danforth. I cannot hear you. What do you say? (Mary utters again unintelligibly.) Do you know who I am? I say you will hang if you do not open with me! Proctor. Mary, remember the angel Raphael-do that which is good and- Abigail (pointing upward). The wings! Her wings are spreading! Mary, please, don’t, don’t-! Hale. I see nothing, Your honor! Danforth. Do you confess this power! (He is an inch from her face.) Speak! Abigail. She’s going to come down! She’s walking the beam! Danforth. Will you speak! Mary Warren (staring in horror). I cannot! Girls. I cannot! Parris. Cast the Devil out! Look him in the face! Trample him! We’ll save you, Mary, only stand fast against him and – Abigail (looking up). Look out! She’s coming down! Proctor. Mary, tell the Governor what they- (He has hardly got a word out, when, seeing him coming for her, she rushed out of his reach, screaming in horror.) Mary Warren. Don’t touch me- don’t touch me! (At which the girls halt at the door.) Proctor (astonished). Mary! Mary Warren (pointing at Proctor). You’re