The Crucible Act III Purpose

   Arthur Miller's purpose in Act Three is to show how it is sometimes best to keep quiet in order to protect yourself or the ones you love. An example of this is when Giles refuses to give any names in the dispute over land with the Putnams. He says: "I will not give you no name. I mentioned my wife's name once and I'll burn in hell long enough for that. I stand mute" (Miller, 90). This demonstrates Miller's purpose because Giles previously made the mistake of mentioning his wife, who is now under questioning, and now he realizes that he must remain silent in order to protect the other innocent people. Another example of Arthur Miller's purpose in this act is when John Proctor, in his anger, suddenly accuses Abigail of being a whore, and then realizes that he must confess to the court that he had had an affair with her. The line and stage direction that go with this are as follows: "PROCTOR, trembling, his life collapsing around him: I have known her, sir. I have known her" (Miller, 102). This exemplifies Miller's purpose because, since Proctor made the sudden accusation of harlotry against Abigail, now he must confess to committing adultery, and therefore potentially ruining his own life in the process. The purpose of Act Three is shown through several of the characters in the scene making the situation much worse for themselves and their loved ones when they speak up, instead of staying quiet.