Directions: As explained in the first chapter, a theme is a main message or moral that the author of a work wants readers to understand, accept, or consider. The Crucible has several different themes, while literature can mean different things to different people, there are messages within the play that most people agree to be
significant. After reading the play, answer the question below.
1. Place a check mark next to each theme from the play:
People often fight for power no matter what the cost.
Witchcraft was not accepted in Puritan society.
Some people that have power abuse it.
Mass hysteria can have devastating effects on a society.
Even religious men commit adultery.
Women should forgive their husbands when they have affairs.
Lies can destroy relationships and lives.
People are often hypocrites in order to protect their public
reputations

Explanation:

The Crucible is a book about the people of Salem and the theocratic society that governs them in which the church and state are one and the same in an austere form of Protestantism known as Puritanism.

Because of the Puritanism, the people do not accept witches in their society and a witch that is found guilty will be executed.

From the book, a young girl who comes to help a couple a=in the house ends up falling for the master of the house, Joseph Proctor and because he dotes on hi wife and refuses to cheat on her, the young lady accuses his wife of witchcraft and Mr Proctor tries to save his wife from the false accusation in court.

People use their power as a tool of revenge in this novel like the wealthy Thomas Putnam who gets his revenge on Francis Nurse by accusing her of killing Ann Putnam's babies.

Mass hysteria is also one of the themes because neighbors who know others to be good people will suddenly throw all sense and logic out the window when the person is accused of mundane and illogical actions relating to witchcraft.