Arthur Miller’s The Crucible explores tolerance through a variety of situations all based around the accusations, and the actual Salem witch trials. Tolerance is a result of different people’s experiences, such as conflicts with each other, or themselves, the actions of the characters, and the different themes that tie into the novel. Whether it is how “witches” are taking over Salem or how adultery is ruining people’s marriages, Miller makes sure tolerance is portrayed. The tolerance that the characters have results from the commotion of the witch trials, in that everyone was waiting for the persecution of the people to benefit themselves. Therefore, the representation of tolerance is established in Arthur Miller’s play through the clear cut characterization of Abigail, land disputes between Mr. Putnam and Mr. Corey, and the theme of persecution, which is the motive behind the people.

Abigail’s tolerance coincides with how she is characterized in the novel. This is shown by how the narrator portrays her as a strikingly beautiful orphan, and how she is seen conniving herself obsessively into John Proctor’s life. She also shows her character with comments such as, “Not I, sir – Tituba and Ruth” (Miller 16). Abigail uses her beauty and innocence to pin the blame on others, while in the back of her mind is John Proctor. Arthur Miller made her the leader of the witch trials, and tolerant of them. She is tolerant of them in the fact that she will go through anything she needs to, including persecution of Proctor’s innocent wife to be with him. Cheever: “Why, Abigail Williams charge her” (73). This characteristic of how she blames everyone is apparent throughout the whole text, again as is her undying “love” for John Proctor. “John – I am waitin’ for you every night” (22). Miller uses this infatuation to show why Abigail tolerates the atrocities in Salem; to be with John Proctor.

Numerous conflicts besides the actual Salem witch trials arise in this play. One in...