In Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, several characters meet tragic ends as a result of the Salem witch trials. Among the notable deaths are:
- John Proctor: Proctor, a central character, is executed by hanging after confessing to witchcraft but later retracting his confession, choosing to die with honor rather than live a lie.
- Rebecca Nurse: A respected and elderly widow, Nurse is accused of witchcraft and hanged. Her death symbolizes the tragedy of innocent lives being lost to mass hysteria.
- George Jacobs: Another victim of the trials, Jacobs is also hanged after being falsely accused, highlighting the destructive power of fear and suspicion.
These deaths reflect the broader themes of the play, emphasizing the consequences of hysteria, the fragility of justice, and the moral complexities faced by individuals in desperate times.