The Crucible

So, we had to read (act out, really) this book for school and I actually really enjoyed it!

As a play, I found this entertaining and easy to follow. I was never confused and the language was not dense enough to trip me up as a reader.

I adored the plot line! It was a fascinating plot that revolved around the Salem witch trials- a topic that I have always had interest in. It was unique, especially since I haven't read any pieces of fiction regarding the Salem witch trials, as well as engaging. I dislike many school books, but this was not one that I dreaded going to class to read.

The only real gripe that I have with the book, and why I didn't think it deserved a 5, was John Proctor. John Proctor is the main character and supposed hero of the book, however I did not really like him to be quite honest. I understand the actions he undertook, but I do not agree with them. I was also upset by his decision to die rather than have his confession tied to his name. He left his pregnant wife alone with three kids because of this. Couldn't that be considered a worse sin than lying?... Overall I found him abrasive and hard to sympathize with, especially since I personally did not agree with the majority of the decisions he made. Due to his abrasive nature, I also found it difficult to follow his relationship with Elizabeth. I understood that they were married, yet some of the decisions they made suggested that they had a deeper love for one another than I had interpreted in the novel.All in all, I thought this was a very well-written play that I would certainly recommend to many people, especially when you conduct research surrounding its creation. It's one of those books that makes you more worldly and truly understand the consequences of people's actions.