The Crucible In the late 17th century Puritanism thrived through out the northern colonies. In a time of a small government, towns relied more upon themselves instead of outside influence. In efforts to become more pure, the Puritans held three basic beliefs, Plainness, Grace, and Divine Mission. Though these beliefs were meant to help Puritans, they also caused the disintegration of Salem Village in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Living a plain lifestyle is not easy, unlike what the name states. Living a plain lifestyle (Plainness) is hard work and can sometimes cause tension between people. John Proctor led a simple farmer’s life. He obviously lived by the Pur