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Mary Warren Character Analysis

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A coward is a person who is so scared of others that they do not take responsibility for their actions therefore they often get innocent people in trouble. In Arthur Miller’s retelling of the Salem Witch Trials entitled The Crucible, the character of Mary Warren is the quintessential coward. She is one of the many girls who accuse others of being witches, though she knows it is wrong, she continues to cover up her faults with lies. Mary Warren finally accuses John Proctor of witchcraft in Act IV because she is a coward and does not want to take the blame for the hysteria she has helped to create. In Act IV Mary Warren is afraid of Abigail, so she points the finger at John Proctor to keep Abby from accusing her of being a witch who is very vulnerable and easily persuaded. When she sees that Abigail and the girls have turned against her by …show more content…

Warren knows Proctor is not a witch, and also knows that Abby accuses Elizabeth Proctor because of personal vengeance, yet when Proctor tries to urge her to tell the truth she shouts, “I cannot! I cannot!” because she knows she will get in trouble for having previously lied in court (125). Mary Warren was not strong enough to tell the truth. She would rather get Proctor in trouble than have to take responsibility and punishment for her own sinful actions. As a result of her cowardly decision Proctor gets thrown in jail and eventually hangs. In conclusion, Mary Warren is a perfect example of a coward, a follower and she lies. She can neither stand up to others who are immoral nor stand up for what she knows is right. Mary Warren falsely accuses John Proctor of witchcraft to save herself from hanging. She takes the easy way out, and blames others instead of admitting her own wrongs. Her lack of courage gets innocent people killed and allows sinners to control her

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