The paper presents an analysis of the themes of
innocence and
redemption in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible". The paper argues
that, even though Reverend Parris and Reverend Hale appear to have redeemed themselves through their final objection to the court proceedings, their realization that the witch hunt and trial have been used by some for the purpose of revenge on others, as well as their recognition of Proctor's
innocence, proves that they do not deserve redemption. The paper shows that this is because their guilt is greater than that of the ordinary community members who do not claim to speak with the
authority of God or act with the authority of the law.