The Art of Lying

When someone lies, it is usually to purposefully lead another towards a different direction. There are many forms of lying, ranging from making a false statement, to changing the spin and telling the 'partial truth'. Lying also ranges in degree, from what is considered the white lie, which arguably keeps the world running, to deceit and trickery seen in swindlers and in the girls of The Crucible. Lying is prominent throughout the piece, and the art of lying is mastered by almost all of the girls, leading to a snowballing of lies and deceits that ended with condemnations and executions.

Most of the characters in The Crucible lie to keep their secrets hidden, their purposes fulfilled, or simply to themselves about the gravity of the situation. Abigail lies about her ability to see spirits, ghosts, the supernatural in general, and the other girls join in on this. This is of course the main instigator to the conflict, and so is detestably the biggest lie told in the play. Proctor lies about cheating on his wife, and then lies again by hiding it. Another important lie that is told is that of the judge, the lieutenant governor, and the minister. They lie not to others, but to themselves; their pride causes them to lie about serving God's justice. Ironically, lying actually saves the lives of many of the condemned, since by lying, you were renouncing your 'witchery' and could go to God again. On the other hand of this, telling the truth got you killed, and no matter how strong your integrity is after your death, you're still dead. So would it be better to lie and live or tell the truth and die?