The Crucible delves into moral dilemmas that resonate universally, while also capturing the unique context of America during its creation. As Dennis Welland notes in his book on Arthur Miller, the play's moral themes are similar to those found in George Bernard Shaw's works, such as Pygmalion and Major Barbara. Shaw often suggests that misguided actions, like the witch trials, arise from a failure to take personal responsibility rather than sheer cruelty or malice. Essentially, instead of challenging the unjust trials, the residents of Salem choose to comply. Welland observed: "That is why Elizabeth quietly dismisses Hale's fervent plea to help Proctor save himself as 'the Devil's argument'... Elizabeth, much like [George Bernard] Shaw's St Joan [in his play of the same name], has learned through suffering that 'God's most precious gift is not life at any price, but the life of spiritual freedom and moral integrity.' In Proctor's ultimate rejection of his confession and his refusal to compromise his principles to save his life, we see the victory of personal integrity in a morally complex world."